Random Movie Review - Robot Dreams

 

Traditionally 2D animated films are just so rare to come by in new releases. Most major studios have chosen the full CGI route which is all well and good, but there's just something that makes films animated like this film, so quirky and unique. Based on a comic from 2007 by Sara Varon, this film aims to continue to keep this style of animation alive and kicking, while having very little dialogue which, thinking about it, may make this a little original. I mean, often people forget that some of the best films out there are ones with light or very little dialogue and the actions of the characters are what keeps the film going. Another thing major studios tend to forget about. That you don't need to make it all too complicated to tell a good story. Anyway, let's take a look at this Spanish-French animated film with no voices (and therefore no need for subtitles or anything like that):

In the 1980s New York (specifically Manhattan), a character called Dog is experiencing loneliness as he lives alone, going about his life. On one night, a TV advert advertises robots and Dog decides he wants to make one so he has a companion. The pair enjoy time together and start bonding through the song "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire (and yes that is a real band, not actually those elements). But on one trip to the beach, Robot becomes unable to move and with no other option (and also because he is too weak to move him), Dog leaves him behind but promises himself that he will find a way to get Robot back home. As the year goes on, Robot begins having dreams of being able to move again, while Dog initially starts trying to get Robot to move, but life happens and soon the pair begin drifting apart.

I hope I haven't given away too much because it is a film that you really cannot spoil if you are trying to go for a spoiler free review. Anyway, I find this film to be perfection. It may be a scenario that has been told way too many times, but with little dialogue, wonderful animation and a pretty decent soundtrack (plus lots of great product placement), this is a pretty darn good film. It may be a film that's not going to win everyone over, but it certainly has won me over with its simplicity, wonderful animation and everything else in between. 10/10