The Mitchells vs The Machines: Movie Review

"The Mitchells vs The Machines" could have failed spectacurlarly with a premise that feels tired and used up on paper. But we admit, we were proven mightily wrong and we found ourselves loving the whole experience more and more as each second passed. Its undeniable energy, exceptional script, slick presentation, and surprisingly deep narrative (especially for parents) will swoon over audiences who give this family-adventure a shot.

Katie and her dad Rick used to connect with each other so well. But as the years passed by, instead of growing to love each other more, the two are finding more ways to argue each time they talk to each other. When Katie (Abbi Jacobson) is accepted into film school, she plans to fly off to college and never return. On her very last day with her family, nature-loving Rick (Danny McBride) takes the whole family on a road trip and to drive Katie to school together as one last attempt to bond as a family. As expected, the trip has more downs than ups but their chaotic trip gets interrupted by a sudden tech uprising. All around the world, electronic devices and robots have decided it’s time to take over and to boot humans into outer space for good. With only the Mitchells as the last humans still left uncaptured, they will have to get past their problems and work together to save each other and the world.

If you loved films that have been crafted or produced by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, then you'll probably love "The Mitchells vs The Machines" as much. The film as a whole has the same comedic beats and energetic humor that have defined their previous animated hits such as "The Lego Movie" and "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs". Even if this had the same formula of focusing on family issues between parents and children, the film found a way to make its message stick hard when it matters most - which means you should be prepared to get emotional and dramatic at key moments in the film. In fact, we seriously believe that even though this is a family-centric animated film, this whole experience was crafted more for adults than younger viewers from its very deep and satisfying story to its extremely funny script to the humongous furby hoard that was our favorite portion in the whole film. But don't get us wrong, "The Mitchells vs The Machines" was well-balanced that satisfies a wide spectrum of the audience. The visuals will awe-struck younger audiences as much as adults and the colorful and vibrant tones helps to make this a very wholesome experience even in its darker moments. The character of Monchi was critical in providing humor in simple and complex manners all at the same time - and this is with a non-speaking role even. Overall, "The Mitchells vs The Machines" is a very approachable film for all ages and genders. You could come into the film expecting a complete time-waster, or as a motivational film for struggling parents, or a cool adventure for a kid, and still find yourself leaving with a smile by the time the credits roll.

Rating: 4 and a half reels

Why you should watch it:
- the visuals could rival the best animated films out there
- if you loved Phil Lord and Christopher Miller animated films, then you'll defeinitely love this

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- the first thirty minutes had a a rough start but it eventually found its groove and never looked back