Episode Summary:

Russ Matthews and Ben McEachen dive into "The Wild Robot," exploring why it’s not only the best animated film of the year but also one of the best films overall. They discuss the visual splendor, rich themes, and emotional depth of the movie, comparing it to classics like "The Iron Giant" and Studio Ghibli films. With voices from Mark Hamill and Pedro Pascal, this film touches on themes of motherhood, grief, and belonging, making it a must-watch for all ages. Tune in for a heartfelt review and insightful discussion on this cinematic gem.

Key Takeaways:

Best Animated of the Year: Russ Matthews boldly states that "The Wild Robot" is not only the best animated movie of 2023 but also stands as one of the best films overall.

Emotional Depth: The film succeeds in drawing audiences into its heartfelt narrative, making even adults and children tear up, as evidenced by Ben’s and his daughter's reactions.

Visual Masterpiece: With its stunning combination of CGI, hand-drawn animation, and anime-inspired visuals, "The Wild Robot" offers a rich cinematic experience, comparable to Studio Ghibli classics.

Themes and Messages: The movie addresses significant themes such as belonging, programming versus free will, sacrifice, forgiveness, and the nature of community in a manner accessible to all ages.

AI and Humanity: The discussion also speculates on the broader implications of AI, as the film humanizes a robot character, presenting questions about the future relationship between humans and artificial intelligence.

Notable Quotes:

"I’m going to say that it's the best animated film of the year, but also it's one of the best movies of the year." - Russ Matthews

"She and I had a fantastic time with this incredible story about a robot crash landing to earth in this island populated by animals." - Ben McEachen

"It's one of those great stories that uses things that aren't human to reflect back to us human things." - Ben McEachen

"They’re able to tap into also this kind of love, this mother's relationship with this gosling, which seems so strange but really does work." - Russ Matthews

"The movie could make me care so much about a robot, like you can really connect on an emotional level." - Ben McEachen

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