GENRE: Animated
RATING: PG for action and some language
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 53 minutes
PLATFORM: Netflix
STARRING: Abbi Jacobson (Broad City, Neighbors 2, Disenchantment)
Danny McBride (Eastbound & Down), Maya Rudolph (SN, Bridesmaids)
DIRECTORS: Michael Rianda & Jeff Rowe (newcomers)
WRITERS: Rianda & Rowe (Gravity Falls)
PLOT: A road trip meant for bonding gets interrupted by a robot apocalypse and the family must save humanity.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I enjoyed the trailer when it was called Connected.
STORY STUFF: While I enjoyed most of the story, I felt it went on a bit long. I wanted more road trip, less robot apocalypse. Maybe it was the relatability factor. The family dynamics were great and I loved the dialogue. Lots of great one liners. Also, fantastic use of their dog, Monchi. Loved the licking game, the eyes and the difficult classification. “Dog-Pig-Dog-Pig-Loaf of Bread.” It still makes me smile a big goofy smile.
ACTING STUFF: A good voice cast but nothing to write home about. McBride and Rudolph bring good energy to their characters. Jacobson gets go big and have lots of fun. I found Michael Rianda’s low voice as young Aaron was weird at first but it grew on me. Doug the Pug (music videos) as Monchi steals the show just with his dog sounds.
ARTISTIC STUFF: The animated characters look interesting, especially the father and daughter with their ginormous glasses. The dog is perfection. This film also uses a lot of social media filter graphics to ‘enhance’ their story. I’m not a fan because I’m not ten but I can see why they would add it.
VERDICT:
Four stars out of five
SEE IT IF:
You’re addicted to your phone or want to see Monchi.
UPCOMING REVIEW: Black Widow?
