Review of Meet the Robinsons (2007) by Luke G — 11 Apr 2012

I've said it before and I'll say it again, time travel is by far my favorite plot device. Even in the Disney-fied kids movie version of time travel I still find myself enjoying it. From what I understand this film was an attempt to prove that non-computer animation was still viable at Disney. Well they were right, but not necessarily because of the animation. Similar to most of the best animated films, it is the entertaining plot that carries this story. It is the tale of an orphan who is desperate to be loved and accepted. And *spoiler* he finds that with a little patience the family that offers all the love and acceptance he craves will come to him.

I think what makes this movie shine the most is the great sense of humor. Sure things are a little crazy and far fetched but that adds a level of comedy that the movie needs. The characters are all so colorful and fun to watch. Particularly great are Goob, Bowler Hat Guy, and Adam West as a super heroic pizza guy. The voice cast is great and that definitely adds to the story. And the joke about Cornelius looking like Tom Selleck when that is who provided the voice is great.

Now I hate to nitpick since this is time travel for kids, but the logic of how the ripple effects hit the future is really inconsistent. The idea that all Lewis needs to do is commit to not inventing Doris is a plot hole because by changing the past she made it so Lewis wouldn't invent her anyways. Again this is getting a little hyper critical with a kids movie, but I wish they would have tied up that plot thread. Otherwise Meet the Robinsons is a fun film and it should entertain kids and adults.