5 Reasons Why The Wild Robot is the Kids Movie that Adults Need

From DreamWorks Animation comes a new adaptation of a literary sensation, Peter Brown’s beloved, award-winning, #1 New York Times bestseller, The Wild Robot. The Wild Robot was a book my daughter simply could not get enough of when it was published in 2016. She devoured the sequel a few years later. I knew this movie would be special. What I did not expect was just how emotional this movie would be.

In case you are like me and have not read the books, THE WILD ROBOT follows the journey of a robot—ROZZUM unit 7134, “Roz” for short — that is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings, gradually building relationships with the animals on the island and becoming the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling. But just how good could a kids’ animated sci-fi dystopian movie be?

I will keep this spoiler-free, because if you are unfamiliar with this story, I feel seeing it raw and unaware of what happens next heightens the emotional take-away of the film. What I will share, are 5 reasons why parents should see this movie, with or without kids!

THE WILD ROBOT explores new, unfamiliar territory and learns to adapt – similar to life with teenage slang these days. As my kid would say, “You’d be delulu to miss this GOAT movie”
THE WILD ROBOT shows a time where robotics and automaton are key. Chris Sanders(writer/director) reminds that while technology is a wonderful thing, a healthy balance is necessary for everyone. Family and nature are important, and relationships should be nurtured. Everyone needs someone at some point in their journey.
THE WILD ROBOT emphasizes that change is necessary. “Sometimes, to survive, we must become more than we were programmed to be.”
THE WILD ROBOT is a REAL mom. Roz is tired, frustrated, selfless and gets up and does it all again the next day. Moms are able to relate to this depiction and feel seen for the endless hard work they contribute to their families. In the beginning, Roz comments that she is not programmed to be a mom. Pinky the Possum reassures her, “No one is.”
THE WILD ROBOT showcases teamwork and friendship as a valuable resource. Learning to live and work together for a common good is vital to a community, whether that community be your neighborhood or your family.

While DreamWorks Animation has been hitting it out of the ballpark with movies lately, THE WILD ROBOT is clearly, without a shadow of a doubt, the movie everyone needs to see. The story is brilliantly retold, reaching deep into heart and causing you to feel the need to hug the person you brought with you.

THE WILD ROBOT Cast & Music

The Wild Robot stars Academy Award® winner Lupita Nyong’o (Us, The Black Panther franchise) as robot Roz; Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us, The Mandalorian) as fox Fink; Emmy winner Catherine O’Hara (Schitt’s Creek, Best in Show) as opossum Pinktail; Oscar® nominee Bill Nighy (Living, Love Actually) as goose Longneck; Kit Connor (Heartstopper, Rocketman) as gosling Brightbill and Oscar® nominee Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once, this summer’s The Fall Guy) as Vontra, a robot that will intersect with Roz’s life on the island.

The film also features the voice talents of Emmy winning pop-culture icon Mark Hamill (Star Wars franchise, The Boy and the Heron), Matt Berry (What We Do in the Shadows, The SpongeBob Movie franchise) and Golden Globe winner and Emmy nominee Ving Rhames (Mission: Impossible films, Pulp Fiction).

Maren Morris offers two new songs for THE WILD ROBOT, ” Kiss the Sky” and “Even When I’m Not.” These songs poignantly express the feelings at pivotal moments in the film and will evoke all emotions.

Is THE WILD ROBOT safe for all ages?

THE WILD ROBOT has a 1hr & 42min runtime and is rated PG for action/peril and thematic elements. With a sci-fi/dystopian feel, I would recommend this movie for older elementary children. The book is aimed at middle grades, aged 8 and older. I feel that is appropriate for this film. There are some scenes involving death, violence, gunfire and fire that would frighten smaller children. Viewing this at home might be a better option for very young children.

Overall Thoughts

I highly recommend THE WILD ROBOT for your family this weekend. Be sure to bring some tissues and be prepared to feel ALL the feels. This movie will leave plenty of room for conversations afterwards. Be sure to check out our FREE printable activity sheets to use before and after the movie.

THE WILD ROBOT is in theaters now. Grab your tickets here https://www.thewildrobotmovie.com/#tickets.

Maria H. (ndm#130)

A Disney blooded, crafty, fun-lovin’ wife/mom/organizer/planner, etc who is obsessed with all things Disney 🙂 Maria grew up with the Magic Kingdom and has loved watching WDW evolve into what it is today. A firm believer in the Power of Pixie Dust, she is the owner of The Disney Driven Life – A Community for Neurotic Disney People & a d.i.y. crafty blog, Carousel of Projects – create~inspire~share.

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