Rent Robot Dreams (2023)

Must See - Robot Dreams review by griggs

Robot Dreams is a gorgeously animated film that brings the colourful chaos of 1980s New York to life. The city’s bold, vibrant tones make a fantastic setting and serve as a backdrop that enhances the emotional depth of this profoundly heartfelt story.

The storytelling flows effortlessly, tackling complex emotions with grace. You’ll easily connect with the characters, such as the lovable robot protagonist and his human companion, on their journeys of self-discovery and friendship. You'll share their ups and downs, from heartwarming moments to tear-jerking scenes, a testament to the strength of great storytelling.

Robot Dreams is a film that stays with you, offering a contemplative look at the relationships that mould us. It’s a beautiful testament to the emotional impact of animation. This film is a must-see for its emotional depth, breathtaking visuals, and the nostalgic charm of its 1980s New York setting. However, it's a bit of a stretch to imagine NYC ever being that pristine.

Should Have Charged the Batteries Up Earlier - Robot Dreams review by The REAL Film Cricket

This film has no actors or voice artists in the credits because there is no dialogue. Apparently, some of the on-screen noises were made by Ivan Labanda but no credits were given.

The film therefore lives and dies on its animation, here it is of the cutesy style instilled with realistic situations, so anthropomorphic animals live in New York but like every stripe of beast the real inhabitants are.

The open montage of Dog making Robot is superb and reminded me so much of making furniture and other items that have been delivered to me over the years, it was, I would say, perfect.

From here on in you get what is basically a love story with friends who become firm friends and get into adventures but then end up in a difficult situation that sees them separated and from there on in what happens.

To the writers and director’s credit for a cartoon that youngsters can watch the story resolves fairly realistically, or non-Hollywood.

So saying the story was interesting and adult in style, fun and sad, and the animation was good where is the problem?

Length and meandering.

Being subjective to get from the Start A, to the resolution of say G, the story goes to every letter in between when to get the point across it could have been A to D at the least.

To sum up, what started as interesting and fun at the beginning, started to lag seriously in the middle, my attention wandered, but picked up near the end. I would say this was a huge minus point on what was a fun, well-made, interesting animation, telling a different story that a lot of adult viewers could relate to.

Maybe worth a watch and if your viewing patience is better than mine, all the better for you.