331 reviews
This might be the most underrated movie I saw in 2018.
This is a Netflix original animated film about a girl and her killer robot. The animation and action are great, the characters are engaging, and the story is pretty original. Also, this movie is the spiritual successor to 9, my all-time favourite movie! And my friend Dave Colvinson actually worked on it! If you're browsing through Netflix looking for something to watch, I'd recommend checking this out. I think it's a good time! Definitely a hidden gem! Spread the word! More people need to see this!
Okay, but it could have been a lot better
While I am giving this Chinese/North American co-production a recommendation, I feel I should point out it's more of a marginal recommendation. Before I get into the faults of the movie, let me list some of its positive attributes. For starters, the movie looks great. The computer animation is not quite as slick as Pixar, but it's pretty close, giving the audience some great visuals and some great production design. Next, the movie certainly doesn't have any dull spots, always remaining interesting at any point. Also, the action depicted is spectacular and very exciting to behold.
If they only had a better script, however, this movie would have been a knockout. But as it is, there are some serious flaws with the writing that hold back the movie significantly. First, while I earlier said that the movie is never boring, it all the same feels way too long (106 minutes!) and the padding is extremely evident. Another big flaw is the lead teenage girl character. She is so sullen, so sour, so filled with anger and hate that it takes forever before we can start warming up to her. Also, the start of her relationship with the robot is not sketched out very well; it's hard to see how the two managed to connect so quickly and become fast friends.
Despite the inadequate script, I am still giving the movie a mild thumbs up. Adult viewers will best approach this movie with lower expectations than usual so there's a better chance they will enjoy it. Kids will probably look past the flawed writing and enjoy the whole package. There are certainly a lot worse family films for a family to watch (though there are also a lot that are much better.)
If they only had a better script, however, this movie would have been a knockout. But as it is, there are some serious flaws with the writing that hold back the movie significantly. First, while I earlier said that the movie is never boring, it all the same feels way too long (106 minutes!) and the padding is extremely evident. Another big flaw is the lead teenage girl character. She is so sullen, so sour, so filled with anger and hate that it takes forever before we can start warming up to her. Also, the start of her relationship with the robot is not sketched out very well; it's hard to see how the two managed to connect so quickly and become fast friends.
Despite the inadequate script, I am still giving the movie a mild thumbs up. Adult viewers will best approach this movie with lower expectations than usual so there's a better chance they will enjoy it. Kids will probably look past the flawed writing and enjoy the whole package. There are certainly a lot worse family films for a family to watch (though there are also a lot that are much better.)
Amazing animation. Netflix is in the game!
- pmsingtiger
- Sep 6, 2018
- Permalink
There is something here, brought down by an annoying lead.
There is something compelling about making a movie that observes Man's ever more reliance of machinery to find joy and meaning into their lives. Mai's mother uses it to forget about her husband, others use it to enhance their entertainment factor or as a way to impress others.
The world building is pretty good, especially how robotics weaves itself into the future USA. As a marketer, I feel bad that we are going to bombard people with branding 24/7 to get them to buy our products.
This could have been a fantastic film if it weren't for such an self centered main character, who plays a selfish, petulant child nearly throughout the whole movie, treating her "friend" as a machine, blaming him and throwing guilt on it when it only has good intentions. There is something rotten about her soul, as she never learns her lessons from the pain she inflicts, whether it is being mean to her mom and causing a bully to cry, through most of the movie.
The robot character, 7723, is a much more compelling (although it is a low bar) character, someone learning human emotions but is a robot, similar to the Iron Giant, but he as long as he plays subservient to it's master Mai, it's growth is limited.
The movie somewhat redeems itself at the end. It could have taken the easy, Disney ending, but it took a bit of a smarter move, in the vein of The Iron Giant. It also helped redeem the annoying Mai who has to change from the role of taker to provider. However, by the time she learns her lesson, it is too late.
The world building is pretty good, especially how robotics weaves itself into the future USA. As a marketer, I feel bad that we are going to bombard people with branding 24/7 to get them to buy our products.
This could have been a fantastic film if it weren't for such an self centered main character, who plays a selfish, petulant child nearly throughout the whole movie, treating her "friend" as a machine, blaming him and throwing guilt on it when it only has good intentions. There is something rotten about her soul, as she never learns her lessons from the pain she inflicts, whether it is being mean to her mom and causing a bully to cry, through most of the movie.
The robot character, 7723, is a much more compelling (although it is a low bar) character, someone learning human emotions but is a robot, similar to the Iron Giant, but he as long as he plays subservient to it's master Mai, it's growth is limited.
The movie somewhat redeems itself at the end. It could have taken the easy, Disney ending, but it took a bit of a smarter move, in the vein of The Iron Giant. It also helped redeem the annoying Mai who has to change from the role of taker to provider. However, by the time she learns her lesson, it is too late.
- CaZSuede-2
- Sep 6, 2018
- Permalink
Great visuals but story and characters fall short
The visual finish on this movie is close to on par with recent animated blockbuster films which is a great achievement.
Unfortunately I feel like it was held back by some questionable choices of voice actors (that didn't seem to match the characters), low quality voice acting and a story that doesn't really make you care about the characters enough to worry about what is happening on screen.
So all in all a great effort, with some notable downsides.
Unfortunately I feel like it was held back by some questionable choices of voice actors (that didn't seem to match the characters), low quality voice acting and a story that doesn't really make you care about the characters enough to worry about what is happening on screen.
So all in all a great effort, with some notable downsides.
- d3daniel19
- Sep 7, 2018
- Permalink
Cussing and an Obnoxiously angry little girl
Animation was great no issue there. The story was even good. The character of Mai was were it took a negative turn for me, she is angry for a good portion of the movie working through it in various ways but never showing any sign of an improved emotional state just continuously angry, destructive, selfish and cold, honestly maybe to accurate a depiction a child's behavior after losing someone to put into a child's movie and it drags out for far to long. There is a lot of bleeped out cussing. Honestly just really bad character development in a really cool story with sweet animation.
- dntshootmwht
- Sep 7, 2018
- Permalink
Big Hero 6 for broken kids with rage issues
If you are growing good kids don't see this movie with them, it has a lot of violence and bad behavior, if you are growing kids that use bad language, have rage issues and bad behavior this movie is for them.
This movie has an unlikeable manipulative broken little girl as a lead, she is so annoying until the point of want to stop the movie.
The other lead is a likable robot that feels an irrational love for the second human being that he saw, it's designed to learn morality from humans but is not well explained in the movie.
Some parts of the movie don't fit well but the animation is really well, so overall is a good movie.
Fun fact: 6 (from Big Hero 6) is a perfect number, 7723 (original webcomic from this movie) is a prime number and in consequence a deficient number only divisible by 1 and himself.
This movie has an unlikeable manipulative broken little girl as a lead, she is so annoying until the point of want to stop the movie.
The other lead is a likable robot that feels an irrational love for the second human being that he saw, it's designed to learn morality from humans but is not well explained in the movie.
Some parts of the movie don't fit well but the animation is really well, so overall is a good movie.
Fun fact: 6 (from Big Hero 6) is a perfect number, 7723 (original webcomic from this movie) is a prime number and in consequence a deficient number only divisible by 1 and himself.
- helmutpadilla
- Sep 8, 2018
- Permalink
Fantastic Movie - Not Big Hero 6
Aside from the film involving robots with feelings this is far from Big Hero 6. I love BH6 and this film is definitely up there with it. Some reviews below were rated poorly based on the main character Mai being an angry brat but that IS her character and if she made you feel that way then her job was complete. Her actions were intended to upset you and make you disagree with them so great job with that!
Those that said the film is too violent are just being overly sensitive. Look at all the kids films/shows out there that are just as violent, if not more - Power Rangers, DragonBallZ,Tom & Jerry, TMNT, The Lion King, etc - Stop being so sensitive people. I thought Momo the dog was the highlight of the show. The beeping was hilarious and we don't really know what is being said, we're just assuming it was cussing but it really added a lot of humor to the film.
I really liked how the film depicted humans as being so dependent and addicted to the robots, much like how we are so addicted to our phones and other technology now. The animation was amazing, kudos to Tangent studios for a great job! Overall the film is fantastic for both kids and adults.
Those that said the film is too violent are just being overly sensitive. Look at all the kids films/shows out there that are just as violent, if not more - Power Rangers, DragonBallZ,Tom & Jerry, TMNT, The Lion King, etc - Stop being so sensitive people. I thought Momo the dog was the highlight of the show. The beeping was hilarious and we don't really know what is being said, we're just assuming it was cussing but it really added a lot of humor to the film.
I really liked how the film depicted humans as being so dependent and addicted to the robots, much like how we are so addicted to our phones and other technology now. The animation was amazing, kudos to Tangent studios for a great job! Overall the film is fantastic for both kids and adults.
- benwang-34237
- Sep 9, 2018
- Permalink
Fun
It was a fun feel good movie without being DreamWorks or Disney. They did a great job, good story, visuals and soundtrack. It was fun.
- robertandrews-63249
- Sep 8, 2018
- Permalink
Key word here, Frustrating.
Animation: Great
Story Line: Predictable and done before
Voice Acting: Great
Mai's Character: Seriously the worst. Not the voice acting, but her as a character is the absolute worst and ruins this movie. A brat with no redeeming qualities that makes you root for the bad guys in the movie because she is just the absolute worst. The only way anyone could work with or for this girl is if they were programmed against their will to do it. I feel bad for the voice actress voicing her because it might honestly hurt her career being this character.
Work of Art
This movie speaks out to core issues in detail that most movies for kids don't. It instantly shows what some kids go through from their point of view.
It is also a great story of the value of friendship, that everyone needs someone to lean on.
The parts that are action packed give you an adrenaline rush and the quiet moments really engage your emotions. They do this while still allowing comedy and fun to be thrown into the mix. Most importantly the characters are able to make want root for them and when the characters are at rock bottom It's heart wrenching.
In summary Next Gen is an action packed, fun filled, story of relationships that's definitely worth your time.
- davidakinyose
- Sep 6, 2018
- Permalink
I, Robot meets Disney's Big Hero 6
It was a fun movie. I'd agree with most users that it is a bit of a more mature film than most PG movies. Essentially it is I, Robot aimed at families with a flair of Big Hero 6.
Really well done CG. Constant violence from beginning to the end
I felt really uncomfortable watching it with my kids because the movie is filled with anger and constant violence from the beginning to the end. Disney only shows violence 25% of the whole movie where necessary. 85% of this movie is filled with detailed violence.
Phased plasma rifle in the 40Gw range
Loved the Terminator line which was snuck in at the 15 min mark. Cute movie. Cross between IRobot and Astroboy.
Interesting but not for kids.
This is an interesting story and I like the comentaty on modern society and its dependent nature on personal technology. However if you are looking for a cute story to show your young children, THIS IS NOT THE MOVIE FOR YOUNG KIDS. I am not telling you what to do with your family but I won't show this to my son.
ABSOLUTE FILTH FOR CHILDREN TO WATCH!
My daughter is 4 years old and asks if she can watch this movie. Looking at the PG rating, I said sure! So i'm cleaning my kitchen and I over hear a bunch of bleeping. I thought my mind was playing tricks on me so I rewinded a bit and sure enough, the dog in the movie is cussing and it's obvious what words are bleeping out! I turned it off right away! What is this world coming to?! DO NOT LET YOUR CHILDREN WATCH THIS
- cristinaoliver
- Sep 7, 2018
- Permalink
Amazing animation, Mediocre Story, Terrible Main Character
The team working on the animation did a very good job - the vfx are beautiful.
However, I stopped watching the movie midway as the main character became unbearable with her manipulative behavior. I understand that this is just a kid, but it is really off-putting - the same way, I wouldn't like to be near such person in real-life.
- matrixlplus
- Sep 8, 2018
- Permalink
Not like big hero 6
Funny at times good for you and your kid if you're kid is cool
- jhawk-28883
- Sep 7, 2018
- Permalink
Really cool movie
Fun without to much substance
The animation is great, the characters are likeable and it has a lot going for it that being said the story was extremely basic which made it whilst enjoyable pretty forgettable at the same time. A film most of the family will enjoy though and there will certainly be a lot worse out there of this genre.
- muamba_eats_toast
- Apr 22, 2020
- Permalink
A movie about unhealthy relationships
The storyline is about a girl who is emotionally manipulative and forces a robot to do things he doesn't want to do. The stars are for the animation quality.
Epic Movie With Mature Themes
This is a fantastic movie which I greatly enjoyed as an adult. It should be great for kids too, though it has an emotional maturity to it that might make it difficult for audiences that are too young. The climatic fight scene is one of the coolest animation scenes ever, especially with the powerful music soaring along with the robots in the city skies.
- composerjhiebert
- Sep 6, 2018
- Permalink
A movie with great potential to sparkle, but is ruined by the failure in shaping the personalities of Mai
- ethelieveritas
- Jan 4, 2019
- Permalink
Good animation, boring story
The animation quality is pretty good, but the story seems like a cheap version of Big Hero 6.
The whole story seems forced to make the audience feel emotionally connected with the characters, but the scenes feel rushed and the bound of the girl and the robot feels forced at the begin, the two characters really doesn't fit, and the soundtrack also doesn't help to create the emotional bound. (Really, the soundtrack is horrible, takes all the emotion of the scenes away).
It's kind of movie that I recommend to spend time, but probably won't watch a second time.
- The-Last-Sith-Lord
- Sep 7, 2018
- Permalink
Too violent for young kids
This movie had great potential but was brought down by incessant violence, bleeping out of swear words and death/killing themes. Not appropriate for younger kids. Also go bored of robot fighting by the end. Was a waste of a potentially good theme.
- terihanham
- Sep 6, 2018
- Permalink