Robots

Paranoid android: Uninspired Robots doesn't bode well for computer animation

By Mike Prevatt

In the 10 years that feature-length computer animated flicks have been gracing megaplex screens, an overwhelming majority of them have been considered some of the best films of their time, from Toy Story to Shrek 2. However, as the competition grows and more projects get greenlighted and rushed out, the medium's shortcomings are starting to appear, such as in last year's wit-deficient Shark Tale.

Robots, the second major digital animation feature from Fox's Blue Sky Studios (following 2002's charming Ice Age), doesn't pander like Shark Tale, but it's nonetheless underwhelming. Though buoyed somewhat by its striking, toy-like visual aesthetic, the film is weighed down by a lackluster story and script as well as sub-par acting by its A-list vocal cast.

The premise centers on young inventor bot Rodney (Ewan McGregor), who seeks to work for visionary metalman Bigweld (Mel Brooks), only to discover that his hero has been usurped by the more corporate-friendly Ratchet (Greg Kinnear). The Bigweld conglomerate has now switched gears, as it were, replacing its replacement-part business with a newer emphasis on more profitable "upgrades." Those robots who don't wish to pony up for a more contemporary look are shown the furnace, and it's up to Rodney and his rag-tag team of clunkers--including Fender, voiced by Robin Williams--to stick up for the traditional robot.

There may be a few ways to read into that story--Internet enthusiasts see it as a dig at what's become of Disney--but ultimately, its self-affirming message is a tired one that can hardly resonate with everything else thrown at the audience, including dozens of puns and gags that only occasionally zing. The forgettable dialogue further impairs the uninspired cast. Williams is the most noticeably lackluster presence if only because he ditches his usual manic persona otherwise perfect for animated voice acting. However, he does ham it up as Britney Spears, perhaps a fitting metaphor for things pretty on the outside but lacking substance within.