The Wild Robot review: "Lupita Nyong’o is excellent in this gorgeous animation"

GamesRadar+ VerdictThis gorgeous toon is at its best when dealing with nature and nurture, even if minor stumbles keep it from soaring to Iron Giant heights. GamesRadar+ Verdict GamesRadar+ Verdict This gorgeous toon is at its best when dealing with nature and nurture, even if minor stumbles keep it from soaring to Iron Giant heights. This gorgeous toon is at its best when dealing with nature and nurture, even if minor stumbles keep it from soaring to Iron Giant heights. Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. The most striking thing about The Wild Robot is how it continues mainstream animation’s ongoing visually inventive streak (theSpider-Verse movies,Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,Puss in Boots: The Last Wish). This CG-animated film has a sumptuous, painterly quality that magics brushstrokes out of pixels. It’s delightful to gawp at, and makes the ideal canvas for the tech-meets-nature story. Along the way, Roz bonds with Fink the fox (a spry Pedro Pascal) and Paddler the beaver (Matt Berry); the believable breathing, snarling life imbued into these creatures recalls writer/director Chris Sanders’ previous successes (Lilo & Stitch,How to Train Your Dragon). But Roz’s most special – and heartwarming – connection is with gosling Brightbill (Kit Connor), a runt she adopts after a tragic accident. Their early moments together, as Roz teaches him to fly, are where the film really takes off emotionally, thanks in no small part to Nyong’o’s excellent, cliche-swerving voicework. There’s a touching theme about becoming more than you’re programmed to be, so it’s a slight shame The Wild Robot can’t completely resist formula, leaning into high-tech action in its third act. This, like some of the too-modern gags elsewhere, feels at odds with the general vibe of lovingly rendered originality. But compared to the average family-friendly animation, this is very much an upgrade. The Wild Robot is released in US theaters on September 27 and in UK cinemas on October 18. For moreupcoming movies, check out our guide to2024 movie release dates. 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the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”