DAC 47: Meet the Robinsons

Meet The Robinsons - 8.8/10

Wow. Okay, if there's one thing I've learned, it's that I need to stop making assumptions. Like Chicken Little, I had never seen this one, nor had I any interest in seeing it. I assumed it was gimmicky, pandering, marketable mediocrity - in other words, another sell-out. Since I was pretty much right about the previous film, my hopes were not high. And damn, was I ever wrong.

This film was so much fun. That's the best word I can think of to describe it. The basic premise was familiar but what they did with it was fresh and entertaining. The cast of characters were all quirky and hilarious and I loved them all. There was so much randomness, but unlike so many other films, none of it felt forced and it was so easy to just settle in and go along for the ride. It didn't hurt that the main character was also really likable. Five minutes in and I already knew I was going to love him, and I was right. And that helps so much when he gets his hard-earned happy ending, because when he's happy, we're happy.

The villain was a hoot, too. Completely incompetent, out of his mind, and comically evil in a Snidely Whiplash sort of way. And in truth it's a villain duo, with the true mastermind behind everything being his hat. I know, right? Madness. And I love it.

Another thing I spotted right off was the improved animation. This film is to Chicken Little what Pinocchio was to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. In the first film they were trying something new, working out the kinks and just sort of testing the water. In the second they knew what they were doing and really got a chance to stretch their legs and flex their muscles, so to speak. The style and quality were on par with some of the things I've seen Pixar do. Not surprising, considering it was a lot of the same people, but considering their previous debacle, it was still nice to see.

The plot twist, if you can call it that, I saw coming a mile away. I don't count that against them though, as the foreshadowing was done well and wasn't too blatant. I'm never good at gauging how well other people pick up on these things, but to me it was just enough to figure it out and then grin smugly when the reveal happens. I always enjoy that.

I have a feeling I'll be watching this one again in the not-too-distant future.