The Illuminerdi reviews, The Mitchells vs. The Machines, the newest animated film in Netflix’s catalogue.
Around a year ago this movie was titled Connected and would have hit theaters on October 23, 2020, but it had to be postponed due to the pandemic. Then it was quiet around Connected until Netflix stepped in this January and bought the distribution rights, as well as re-titled it to The Mitchells vs The Machines.
The Mitchells vs The Machines Official Trailer
And what can I say, I’m so happy that it’s finally released, as the newest production by Academy Award winning producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (Spider-Man: Into The Spiderverse, The Lego Movie) is another hit. The Mitchells vs The Machines shines through its unique, stylistic, vibrant, colorful and energetic animation. It has a look that’s reminiscent of the spectacular animation found in Spider-Man: Into The Spiderverse and this newest Sony Pictures Animation production definitely stands out in the crowded animated movie marketplace.
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Alongside the stellar animation is a great sense of humor. The highlight being Michael Rianda’s Aaron Mitchell and the family’s dog Monchi.
The Mitchells vs The Machines is a heartfelt story about an estranged family coming back together to save humanity from the robot apocalypse. The story uses some familiar tropes, but is able to reveal information over time. Just when you think you know a character’s motivations, new details are revealed, which help you further connect to Katie, Rick, Linda and Aaron.
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It even manages to give obvious plot devices more backstory over the course of the film, that definitely keeps you emotionally invested. My only nitpick is the villain of the story, PAL, voiced by the wonderful Olivia Colman. PAL’s actions needed a little bit more time to be set-up, so the viewer could fully understand her motivations and impact of her decisions.
Film fans will be in their element as The Mitchells vs The Machines has a lot of Easter eggs referencing movies of all genres, ranging from the iconic Batman transition to a reference to Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi masterpiece Blade Runner 2049 as a social media name.
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The Mitchells vs The Machines is a spectacularly animated joy ride, full of humor, heart, robots, and Monchi, while it ranks as one of the best animated films on Netflix, as well as one of the best animated films in recent memory. A huge win for Netflix and a perfect choice for a family movie night. You don’t want to miss this one.
4,5/5
The Mitchells vs. The Machines Official Synopsis
A quirky, dysfunctional family’s road trip is upended when they find themselves in the middle of the robot apocalypse and suddenly become humanity’s unlikeliest last hope! (Netflix)
The Mitchells vs. The Machines is globally available on Netflix. It was written and directed by Michael Rianda and Jeff Rowe, as well as produced by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. It features the voices of: Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Beck Bennett, Fred Armisen, Eric Andre and Olivia Colman. What do you guys think? Are you planning to watch The Mitchells vs The Machines? Have you seen it already, if so how did you like it? Let’s discuss everything in the comments down below and on our Twitter.
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