Daniel’s review published on Letterboxd:
Love the world. There is a place for everyone. It feels almost too common to fear those that don't belong. That has been a problem for years in our world; and is confronted head on by a robot lost in a big and colourful wilderness.
We saw trailers for this for awhile; at least felt that way. Never seemed to grab me though. Just looked like a charming original family film that most might see and then forget a week or two later; which happens very often.
That was completely absurd of me. Especially when you have an ensemble of voices starring Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Bill Nighy and Mark Hamill. Only to name a few. It's an impressive array of talent that pays off brilliantly.
One of the criticisms in recent times has been gifting voice roles to actors, rather than professional voice talents, which I understand. It can be slightly frustrating, but for what it's worth here, each of them perform fantastically.
Lupita reminds us again that she's a world class talent. She's so damn good. Simply adored the level of emotion and personality she brought to this role, her take on Roz went a long way in adding so much more life to a lovely film.
Dreamworks should be paying for therapy after this. One of the most brutal and emotionally draining animated films in some time. I would look over at my partner in the cinema and she spent a lot of this in a huge flood of tears.
Beautifully written as it is animated; from all the animals to the world around them. It felt very refreshing with this style; that had to have been influenced by the likes of the second Puss in Boots or the Netflix Christmas movie Klaus.
Let me apologise in advance for being a grumpy old man; this wasn't perfect. Even though they did so much right; on retrospective at times; it almost feels a little too safe in the approach and goes for easy things to pull heartstrings.
Not to mention that most of the message is very simple. Ultimately that isn't a bad thing; as this is mostly intended for younger audiences and could be used to help educate them on important things. Just would've liked more.
That said now. It is still a wonderful film from almost start to finish. Not more than a moment is wasted; as the pacing is absolutely superb. And it might be a bit basic at times; it's been awhile since we had something like this at all.
Crazy to think too that even with a few minor flaws; it's hard not to believe this has to be among the greatest films produced by this studio. It takes so much of what has been missing from modern Pixar and gives it to viewers.
Say what you will about them. If Dreamworks can keep up the trajectory from the last Puss in Boots to this; then there isn't any reason at all that they can't become the most exciting and loved animation studio in the world one day.
Stunning visuals, phenomenal cast, touching story. One to remember.
First Watches 🎞 2024
Cinema Watches 🍿 2024
Dreamworks 🎥 Ranked
