OK for kids 7+
Clever but sometimes scary time-travel adventure.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that even very young children will dig this Disney animated adventure, although it may be too intense for some. The story revolves around Lewis, a genius orphan who desperately wants to meet his real mother. There's a sense that he and his friends at the orphanage feel rejected -- he counts 124 couples he's met who don't end up adopting him -- but he's still take care of and encouraged by adults. The cartoon violence is owed mostly to the movie's villains -- a robotic bowler hat and the mysterious mustachioed man who wears it. The Bowler Hat Guy suffers from severe jealousy and bitterness, which is why he wants to ruin Lewis' future. But the future, as it turns out, is bright for all, even Lewis' nemesis. Parents of adopted children may be especially concerned with the way the orphans and the adoption process are depicted.
- Families can talk about why the Robinsons believe that failing is good. Can you think of a time that you didn't win but you still learned something useful? And, for fun, since Lewis is an aspiring inventor, name some inventions that you think would be useful in the future.
- How are orphans depicted in the movie? Does the movie make kids who aren't adopted seem sad and lonely? Do you think that's how orphans must feel? Name some other famous orphans in movies and books.
- How does the movie compare to the William Joyce book on which it's based? Kids: Had you read the book before you watched the movie? If not, did you know it was based on a book?
- Do you like movies that are based on books/stories more than ones that aren't? What are some of the best book-to-movie adaptations?
The good stuff
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Educational value: Kids will learn that they shouldn't give up on their dreams or let setbacks get them down. If you learn from your mistakes and keep trying, eventually your experiments will succeed.
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Messages: On a positive note, a boy with every reason to be upset with the world learns to overcome challenges. The central family nurtures creativity and taking risks to follow your dreams. Some parents my be concerned with the sensitive themes of orphans/orphanages, adoption, loneliness and revenge, all of which are explored in the movie. Parents with adopted children may be especially put off with the way the orphans like Lewis are treated by prospective parents, and his thoughts that his biological mother did not love him.
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Role models: An orphan boy perseveres in the face of continued adversity. He also doesn't hold a grudge against a bitter former friend and invites him to join his family. An adversary discovers the meaning of friendship. A family is welcoming and encouraging, even when their relatives make mistakes.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: An ominous, robotic bowler hat wreaks havoc in the future, forcing humankind into subservience. Bowler Hat Guy creeps around trying to foil Lewis' plans. A T-rex attacks a family in a house, chases children and at one point picks up a boy with his mouth but eventually has to put him down. Various inventions explode, and a family has a big (humorous) food fight.
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Sexy stuff: Young Lewis and Franny smile flirtatiously at each other.
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Language: Several mild taunts like "booger breath," "pukeface," "butterfingers," "stupid," "geek," "dumb" and the like.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: A boy drinks coffee to stay up, while an adult wears patches (reminiscent of nicotine patches) that make her act overly caffeinated. Adults make a toast with what looks like wine but spill it.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
A Good Start for the New Disney by cwalton
This is the first family film to come out since Pixar took creative control over at Disney, and it's an unexpected treat. At first, while watching it, everything seemed a little too generic. The characters seemed fairly broad, the plot (an orphan looking for someone to call family) a bit predictable, and the animation somewhat standard. And while some of the story is, for sure, nothing new, the movie begins to pick up when it jets into the future, and the last thirty minutes bring everything together in unexpectedly original, poignant, and emotional fashion. Total cynics may be unmoved, but otherwise, kids and families will find a lot to like in this colorful tale.
5
The Best of Everything by dentona
This is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. The story is fresh and compelling. Each character is so lovable and entertaining...you feel they're real! Plenty of quick, quirky and goofy humor that is clean and hilarious-not a combination found in many movies these days. Perfect for families-kids and adults will enjoy this fabulous film.
5
i LOVE meet the robinsons by chelseegirl
when i first watched it i knew i was going to like it it but i was wrong i LOVED it. plus i think Wilbur is kind of cute!
5
Meet the Johnsons in person by slinck
It has a well written plot, lots of action, emotion, and full color 3D. It is a must see.
5
Excellent coming of age movie by rljules
Meet the Robinson's is an excellent movie for your children, whether young or older. It has a great way of bouncing around keeping you wondering who the "Boller Hat Guy" is and what the ending is going to be like. Although it gets a little tear jerker at the end, it ends on a definite up note and you can see where this new series is headed. I expect to see this as a series on Saturday morning cartoons in the near future or at least on the Disney Channel.
4
A Sweet Tale About Family by filmreal
"Meet the Robinsons" was a nice film with lots of laughs, an intriguing plot, and a meaningful message. The film follows Lewis, a pre-teenager at an orphanage. He attempts to remember his birth mother, but when his device is stolen by the evil Bowler Hat Guy, Wilbur Robinson, a boy from the future takes him roughly 30 years into the future. Lewis grows to love the Robinson family. This movie is a treat for the young and old alike, that will make you laugh and think about the true meaning of a family.
4
Meet the Robinsons by Bonnie Kerry
Good movie, especially for kids, but with a good moral message. I am not a big cartoon fan, but did enjoy the message and particularly the lack of any sleazy undertones.
4
Cute Family Film by movie_fanatic333
I saw this movie twice because I liked it so much. It wasnt as good as Finding Nemo and The Incredibles but it was still a cute movie. The jokes were funny and plot twists were unexpected. The movie was a fun adventure from start to finish and I think anyone can appreciate this movie.
5
An awsome movie for children of all ages and adults!! by bobnheather03
This was the first time i took my 2 1/2 year old to go see a movie in the movie theatre. Not only was he glued to the movie but i was also. It keeps you laughing and very entertained!! I am a movie buff and very critical and harsh on movies but this movie was very worth paying for a movie ticket, i would go back and watch it again and again! I am for sure buying this movie when it comes out on DVD. Hope you go see it!!! Enjoy :)
1
Was it just me? by RandytheMovieFan
I gave up about 30 minutes into the movie. Boring, dumb, unappealing in just about every way. Maybe it picked up and redeemed itself but I wasn't going to waste any more of my time finding outl