Tech Heartbeat: Ruben Comics Vibrant Take on "The Wild Robot for Modish Muse"

Dreamworks has turned 30. Time has truly flung by quickly and what better way to celebrate their 30th anniversary with a little movie called The Wild Robot directed and co-writtern by Chris Sandlers known for Lilo and Stitch and How To Train Your Dragon. 

Shipwrecked on a deserted island, a robot named Roz must learn to adapt to its new surroundings. Building relationships with the native animals, Roz soon develops a parental bond with an orphaned gosling.

The Wild Robot harkens back to those early animated movies. It’s everything Disney used to represent. A simple story with a great character and a beautiful setting. The film’s visuals are breathtaking, with sweeping shots of the island’s lush landscapes. DreamWorks utilizes vibrant colors and dynamic camera angles to create a fully immersive world that mirrors Roz’s awe at her surroundings.

Kris Bowers score blends orchestral grandeur with electronic undertones, reflecting Roz’s duality as a robot in a natural world. The sound design vividly brings the island to life, from the rustle of leaves to the hum of Roz’s mechanical parts.

At the start Roz was a fish out of water in a land filled with animals. Everyone was against her. But she persisted until she met Brightbull after killing his family by accident. As the movie progresses the animals start to change too. Even the bear. It became more like a village. Roz wanted to leave the island as soon as Brightbill left but as time went on it became home. A neat detail I found was her voice changed from robotic to human throughout the movie. 

The voice performances elevate the film. Lupita Nyong’o brings warmth and nuance to Roz, effortlessly conveying her evolution from a logical machine to a compassionate being. Supporting characters, like the wise old geese (voiced by Bill Nighy) and the mischievous fox cub (voiced by Pedro Pascel), add depth and charm. Not to mention Mark Hamil as the Bear.

At its core, The Wild Robot explores the relationship between technology and nature, emphasizing coexistence rather than conflict. Themes of belonging, family, and selflessness resonate deeply, making it more than just a children's story.

In a world grappling with environmental challenges and rapid technological advancements, the film’s message about harmony and mutual respect feels timely and important. It encourages audiences to reflect on humanity’s responsibility to the natural world.

I love The Wild Robot. It's one of the best films Dreamworks has ever released but it’s also bittersweet. For those who may not know this may be one of Dreamworks last in house animated projects as the studio has layed off most of their staff throughout the year. We are getting a Wild Robot sequel but their animation department has been cut in half. They weren’t making enough money at the box office. Now they’re taking a page out of Disney’s playbook: live action remakes of animated films. Starting with How To Train Your Dragon. I know they're meant to be a rival to Disney but this sounds like a bad idea. I’ve seen the teaser and so far it looks promising and they brought back the director who directed the trilogy. I’m not excited for it but I think it has a chance to be better than Disney’s attempt. 

DreamWorks’ The Wild Robot is a triumph, seamlessly weaving adventure, emotion, and a relevant message into a visually stunning package. Whether you’re a fan of the book or entirely new to the story, this film is a must-watch. Perfect for families and animation enthusiasts alike, it’s an entertaining yet profound experience that lingers well after the credits roll. And remember it takes a village and a Wild Robot.