What's Up With The Robinsons?

[CThaddeus]

So I'm guessing those of you who won't let your kids (or yourself) see it because of the adoption aspect have never watched "The Rescuers," either? That has the same kind of thing going on - a young girl is rejected by numerous prospective parents, but in the end finds the perfect family. If it was okay to discuss in the '70s, what makes it so horrible now? I think all you really need to do is watch the whole film before making a a judgment on it based on one aspect of the story. It's a great film about finding where you belong, and I personally thought it was as good, if not better, than some of the Pixar films of the last few years. I may not be adopted, but the film spoke to me. Please give it a chance before writing it off. It may not have reached "Lion King" status, but it really deserved to.
ed: Also, the reality is, not every child IS adopted by a caring, loving family. Some children may never find adoptive parents, so for the main character to be rejected by a number of prospectives before finally meeting the right ones isn't exactly unrealistic.

 

[ELopez]

somebody on this topic let a big spoiler go and need to edit it out at the risk of taking away one of the biggest plot surprises in the film. Something that the film takes and hour building and eluding to and you just blurted it out. I've seen it bot others haven't thanks.

So sorry. I didn't mean any harm. It's just as an adoptive parent, that was the part that was so special to me. I was using it to address one of the concerns that other adoptive parents may have about this movie. Again, I do apologize, and I did edit the post. :wave:

 

[WV_Jayola]

I totally agree with all the positive responses this movie is getting on this thread. It quite literally blew me away in the theater. I thought it was JUST AS GOOD as almost anything that Pixar has done. I LOVE pretty much everything Pixar, but this is EASILY right up there with them in my book. Bowler Hat Guy is my new number one favorite Disney character!

I have the Bowler Hat antenna topper on my truck, and a plush Bowler Hat Guy sitting on my dash board! hah hah

Seriously though....this movie NEEDS to be seen by all Disney fans, I think. I hope it develops the cult following amongst us Disney Dweebs that it deserves...

jeff.

 

[KCBroadway]

My husband and I LOVED Meet the Robinsons. We actually saw it twice in the theatre (once in 3D....which was really neat). We thought the Bowler Hat Guy was hysterical and probably one of the funniest Disney villians! I can't wait for it to come out on video!

 

[PinMadness]

Meet the Robinsons was one of the best Disney flicks I have seen in a long time.

It amazed me and warmed my heart.

 

[FigmentJedi]

Robinsons is probably in my top 5 favorite Disney movie now. Really loved it.

 

[EpcotServo]

I might've enjoyed it had they not BROKEN TIME TRAVEL LAWS! When an exact copy of atoms meet, they destroy the universe. Basic Time Travel "matter meeting anti-matter= No more Universe" science. Horrible Sci-fi movie. If you're looking for a better CG movie, you'd enjoy it. If you want a real movie, that you will love, skip it and all the rest and go for Pixar. Once more, if you're a Sci-fi geek, avoid it. You'll just be mad they totally ignored basic Time Travel logic. You can't meet yourself, and you can't know exactly what your future will be.

(And I'm sorry, but tell me that there is one other person that thinks that they tacked the Walt quote on there to sweeten the deal with us Disney fans? I mean, I'm glad they tried to save it, and it made it alot better, but it was just not good enough of a story for me. See Ratatouille to hear a great story, and a much better told one, IMHO.)

 

[CThaddeus]

I might've enjoyed it had they not BROKEN TIME TRAVEL LAWS! When an exact copy of atoms meet, they destroy the universe. Basic Time Travel "matter meeting anti-matter= No more Universe" science. Horrible Sci-fi movie. If you're looking for a better CG movie, you'd enjoy it. If you want a real movie, that you will love, skip it and all the rest and go for Pixar. Once more, if you're a Sci-fi geek, avoid it. You'll just be mad they totally ignored basic Time Travel logic. You can't meet yourself, and you can't know exactly what your future will be.

(And I'm sorry, but tell me that there is one other person that thinks that they tacked the Walt quote on there to sweeten the deal with us Disney fans? I mean, I'm glad they tried to save it, and it made it alot better, but it was just not good enough of a story for me. See Ratatouille to hear a great story, and a much better told one, IMHO.)

As a huge Sci-Fi geek, I can tell you that I did really enjoy "Meet the Robinsons," and wasn't bothered in the least by him meeting himself. First, there are many theories about time travel, and since no one has actually done it, no one can actually say which would happen. Some say that you can't change time because it's already happened and therefore whatever you might do would be what was going to happen anyway, because it already happened. Yet others think that you could go back, change time, and potentially destory everything in your present by doing so. Ultimately, it's silly to debate things like this, because it's more a fantasy than a Sci-Fi film, anyway (hence jokes like Todayland). I'm guessing you must have hated "Back to the Future," too, as Doc Brown met himself and the universe didn't destroy itself. He talked about it, but it didn't happen.
And yes, the Walt quote was certainly not necessary, but it was a nice touch, anyway. At least they're still cognizant of the fact that Walt started it all, and should still be the guiding force behind what they do. Frankly, I thought it was a great movie, and while I enjoyed "Ratatouille" (and its animation is better), I'd have to say that if offered the chance to watch one or the other right now, I'd pick "Meet the Robinsons." I just had a better time watching it.
Oh, and I think meeting your future self would mean you're not meeting an exact copy of atoms. Your basic makeup would have to be altered over time to accomodate for eating, drinking, basic growth, etc. Many of your atoms would match, but it wouldn't be like you're meeting an exact clone...unless I've got my science all wrong.

 

[OmegaKnight]

I thought Meet the Robinsons was one of the best animated films to come around in a long time that wasn't made by Pixar. Bowler Hat Guy was absolutely hilarious and the whole movie was basically a tribute to Walt Disney, which is definitely awesome. Seeing it in 3D in theatres was even sweeter (in fact, the film had the largest opening ever for a 3D movie.) I definitely can't wait for the DVD. If this movie was any indication of Walt Disney Feature Animation's future, their future is definitely very bright.

 

[EpcotServo]

As a huge Sci-Fi geek, I can tell you that I did really enjoy "Meet the Robinsons," and wasn't bothered in the least by him meeting himself. First, there are many theories about time travel, and since no one has actually done it, no one can actually say which would happen.

Yea, but I'm too geeky. I can't watch that and not go crazy. It was just like I felt that they had broken Ape law too me.
:brick:

I think if I had too really just say one thing about Meet The Robinsons, it'd be this: Is it a good Animated Feature? Yes. Much better than anything other than Pixar. Is it a good movie? Not so much, IMHO. It's not like most of the Pixar films, where they would be near the top of my list for favorite movies. I just felt that Meet The Robinsons was sitting at the Kids Table.

 

[autigger]

Meet the Robinsons was one of the best Disney flicks I have seen in a long time.

It amazed me and warmed my heart.

I agree 100%.

It was a great movie and I very much enjoyed sharing it with my son.

The movie has made over $100 Million. Despite that, I thought Disney did a poor job of marketing it. It should have been an even bigger hit.

This was easily the best Disney (non Pixar) feature motion picture in a long time.

 

[CThaddeus]

Yea, but I'm too geeky. I can't watch that and not go crazy. It was just like I felt that they had broken Ape law too me.
:brick:

I think if I had too really just say one thing about Meet The Robinsons, it'd be this: Is it a good Animated Feature? Yes. Much better than anything other than Pixar. Is it a good movie? Not so much, IMHO. It's not like most of the Pixar films, where they would be near the top of my list for favorite movies. I just felt that Meet The Robinsons was sitting at the Kids Table.

If it helps, just remember something a very wise show once taught me: "If you're wondering how he eats and sleeps, and other science facts, then repeat to yourself it's just a show...I should really just relax."

 

[memobrien]

Not to debate the whole adoption thing. Everyone has to make their own choices for them and their kids. Every child who joins a family through adoption comes at it form a different point of view. I was adopted and I have a daughter who joined my family through international adoption. Our stories are very different.

That being said if you are confused as to why it would be upsetting for a child, image you are a YOUNG child who has come from a bad home situation and maybe been bounced form family to family. It might be the families you were placed with but as a young kid you are going to blame yourself anyway. Even if you find your way to that perfect family it doesn’t take away any hurt feeling you might have. Do you really need to relive that in a movie? Or what about kids who can’t understand (because they are too young) why their birthfamily chose to make an adoption plan for them. So they need to see some get rejected because they are too nerdy so something that might be made light of in a movie?

So some kids it might be totally fine. But for some it might not be. I can tell you my daughter would be HORRIFIED at the idea of being rejected. So I need to keep her away from it at least until she is old enough where she can say it’s only a movie. It the same reason why I won’t let her see Skrek 3 now. My husband (her dad) passed away recently. Does she need to see Fiona’s dad die….ummm no…too close to home. When she is older fine, but not right now.

Anyway… I will get off the soapbox. If you want more information on the movie as it relates to Adoption, Adoptive Families did a great article on it. Again not every person who has been touch by adoption would necessarily have a problem. But my thinking is what if my daughter did?

Also here is a letter that has been circulating regarding it. I think that she does a great job of explaining the issue.:

Ø Dear WHFC Family,
>
> We feel that it is important to warn you about a Disney movie called "Meet the
> Robinsons" that is now playing in many local cinemas. The advertising for this
> animated feature makes it sound like a great movie for any young child, but this
> is misleading. Fortunately, one of our adoptive parents alerted us about the
> negative adoption messages in the story and the very unhappy experience she had
> with both of her children who were greatly disturbed by the messages conveyed in
> this film. As a result, I went to see the film to decide if it warranted putting
> out an alert to our adoptive parent community. Indeed, I thought the concerns
> raised were completely justified.
>
> The movie is filled with extraordinarily inappropriate messages about adoption.
> The basic story is about an adorable baby whose birthmother leaves him on the
> doorstep of an orphanage. Portrayed as loving, sweet, extremely smart and overly
> appealing, he spends the next 12 years of his life wanting a family and being
> turned down by one family after another. In all, more than 100 couples refuse to
> adopt him. One scene shows a prospective dad losing interest in adoption because
> this very smart little boy is more interested in science than sports. The
> prospective parents leave the disappointed child in an angry huff when he
> accidentally splatters them with some food from his science project. This is
> supposed to be funny.
>
> Since no one else wants him, the child invents a time machine in order to go
> back in time to find his birth mother. The "bad guy" in his time travel journey
> turns out to be his best buddy from childhood, once his orphanage roommate. Now
> an emotional wreck resulting from being left behind when the orphanage was
> closed and shut down, the once-cute orphan is now mean and devious. Another
> chuckle. Various monsters attack the child as continues his birth mother search.
> You get the picture!
>
> I found "Meet the Robinsons" to be both tasteless and totally insensitive
> regarding adoption issues. Please think very carefully before taking your child
> to see it, whether adopted or not. You may want to preview the movie yourself
> before deciding whether your child chould see it or not. At the very least, help
> prepare your child by letting him or her know about the adoption theme before
> seeing it. It is important for our children to know that orphanages no longer
> exist in the U.S. and that the adoption process is totally different from what
> is portrayed in this "pretend" movie. I will write the Disney Corporation to let
> them know about my concerns about their flippant way of dealing with issues that
> are extremely important and not funny for millions of adoptees and their
> families in this country and around the world.
>
> Feel free to share this message with anyone you know who you feel might benefit
> from knowing about this warning.
>
>
> Vicki Peterson, Executive Director of External Affairs
> Wide Horizons For Children, Inc.

 

[CoffeeJedi]

EpcotServo, how many of the same atoms are still in your body, as when you were a child? Even if you traveled to the future and shook your own hand, nothing would happen, your skin's outermost layer gets totally replaced every 10 years or so (iirc anyway, someone have the actual numbers?)

 

[Jesùs_Carioca]

This whole thread, in more than one way imaginable, has now completely peaked my interest in wanting to see this movie now. I'm going to have to atleast rent this DVD when it comes out.

 

[EMThompsen]

Perhaps the trailers for Meet The Robinsons could have included a little of the adoption issue to give people a little warning. But I think the issue itself adds to our emotional investment for the characters. Also, most Disney films include scenes that can become very emotional for many people in the audience. What happens to Mufasa in The Lion King was very emotional; Nemo’s entire family except for his father gets whiped out in the first five minutes of the film. How traumatic is that? & don’t get me started on what a horrible person Cinderella’s step-mother is.
But in the end there are lessons to be learned from all of this & we get a happy ending.

 

[Miss Bell]

I really enjoyed this one, and it is the first Disney movie, I've gotten my 15 year old to go to the theatre with us to see in awhile. I thought it played great homage to Walt and some of the orginal imagineers. It had the tradtional "follow your dreams" Disney theme, and and awesome soundtrack: Danny Elfman score plus They Might Be Giants singing "A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow." How can you go wrong with that? And while I am glad that Disney and Pixar are partnered up again, it was nice to see Disney put this out on their own.

 

[lilclerk]

Perhaps the trailers for Meet The Robinsons could have included a little of the adoption issue to give people a little warning. But I think the issue itself adds to our emotional investment for the characters. Also, most Disney films include scenes that can become very emotional for many people in the audience. What happens to Mufasa in The Lion King was very emotional; Nemo’s entire family except for his father gets whiped out in the first five minutes of the film. How traumatic is that? & don’t get me started on what a horrible person Cinderella’s step-mother is.
But in the end there are lessons to be learned from all of this & we get a happy ending.

I agree with this, there's something traumatic in just about every Disney movie. It's really up to you to decide how you feel your kids will react to it, and whether or not they should see it.
Then again, I guess you never know when you'll be ready to see something. I remember my dad took me to see The Lion King right after his mother passed away and he had to leave the theatre when Mufasa died because he was crying.
But personally, I adored this movie. My nephew and I both had tears in our eyes by the end, and he didn't even want to see it =) It's definitely one of the best Disney films that's come out in a while. Though I haven't seen Ratatoullie yet.

 

[WildcatDen]

> I found "Meet the Robinsons" to be both tasteless and totally insensitive regarding adoption issues. I will write the Disney Corporation to let them know about my concerns about their flippant way of dealing with issues that are extremely important and not funny for millions of adoptees and their families in this country and around the world.
>
> Feel free to share this message with anyone you know who you feel might benefit
> from knowing about this warning.
>
>
> Vicki Peterson, Executive Director of External Affairs
> Wide Horizons For Children, Inc.

Wow. Wow, wow, wow.

I guess you can find the bad in everything. I have an idea. Why don't we water down every topic so that all we get is a steady dose of vanilla. Let us shield the 'kids' from all that Ms Peterson finds worthy of 'warning' so we raise a bunch of kids to be ready for real life, where of course, everything does not have a happy ending.

 

[OneLuckyMom]

Well, about the whole orphan part. Yes, the kid is passes by by several families. But in the end he finds his perfect family and is able to just be himself and he creates this wonderfully perfect future (very EPCOT like). To me the message is that everyone fits somewhere and has a perpuse and you just have to find the place that fits for you. Sometimes things aren't perfect, but you just have to keep moving forward.

You may want to wait until your daughter is older and can distingish fact from fiction, but I think it would be a good story for someone who is adopted to see. It shows the kid finding his perfect family, just like you were able to find your perfect family when you adopted your daughter....

It's all in how you look at it I guess.

I took my "older" (7) adopted daughter to see the movie, as did several other adoptive families I know.

I thought the movie dealt well with the abandonment by the birthmother. My daughter is an international adoptee, and this is an issue that touches her life so I was happy with the way the movie handled that part with caring and dignity.

On the other hand, the adoption interview part of the movie stank. It gave the impression that if a kid wasn't a good athlete, or made a mess, or didn't meet some other shallow criteria an adoptive parent had that they wouldn't want that child. Yes, there are some reasons families pass on specific children, but they involve very serious issues. This part ed off alot of parents of children that were in foster care. And with good reason - I only wish this part of the movie had been dealt with as well as they did the abandonment part. Finding your "perfect" family is NOT what adoption is about. My daughter was actually rather randomly assigned to me by a government official - but that doesn't mean I love her any less. Adoption is about parents who want children and children who need parents finding each other. And dealing with the messiness of life that follows, with kids who don't want to do what the parents tell them to do, and with parents who are frustrated because their kid can't get the hang of Algebra even though it was their best subject in school - just like bio families!

EDIT: I forgot to add that one reason I took my daughter to see the film is that unfortunately I have to teach her that the way adoption is often portrayed in films, TV, the press, etc is completely different from what the reality is. Not that I don't have enough to deal with, but I get to add this to the list.