I was feeling a little woozy after seeing the new Walt Disney film, Meet the Robinsons,based on the book A Day With Wilbur Robinson. I didn’t have any popcorn or a Coke so that wasn’t it. The 3-D glasses left me feeling a little discombobulated—much like the storyline.

 

But even though the movie was a little confusing, it is fun and offers valuable lessons.   

 

Lewis is an orphan boy with an insatiable appetite for learning and inventing. He is constantly tinkering on his latest idea. After numerous tries and failures, Lewis finally invents something that actually works.

 

He enters his memory scanner into the school’s science fair. But Lewis’ invention goes haywire and Bowler Hat Guy, a villain from the future, steals Lewis’ machine.

 

 

In the future, Lewis meets the Robinsons, a motley crew of Wilbur’s mom, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and an octopus butler. But as strange as this family seems, they are kind and welcome Lewis with open arms.

 

Lewis, who has always longed for a family of his own, is warmed by their love and acceptance. This journey to the future and meeting the Robinsons makes Lewis discover the truth about himself, the villain and his past.

 

The best aspects of this story, the lessons and twists, are wrapped up only in the last 20 or so minutes. Until then viewers might feel a bit lost. The past-future story will go over young kids’ heads, but they’ll be enthralled with the 3-D glasses and funny characters (the singing frogs and the grandpa who wears his clothes backward are quite hilarious).

 

The animation of course is superb, colorful and imaginative—animators amaze me! The future city brought to mind the Jetsons and Disney’s Magic Kingdom. The buildings look inflatable like moonwalk bouncers. And people “travel” in bubbles. Fun!

 

Although the story is a little confusing, in the end the film offers significant lessons. A character from the future explains to Lewis that all the choices we make can and will determine our future. Circumstances in Lewis’ and his roommate’s lives make this point hit home (if I give more details it will spoil the story). Kids will likely not get it, but this will offer an open door for discussion.

 

And the Robinson family has a unique take on failures—they embrace them. It’s refreshing to help children understand that it’s OK to fail, it’s more important to try. For in trying surely we will succeed.