Brands are everywhere to help establish character and life in 1980s New York, including Cheetos, Froot Loops, Coke, Vespa, White Castle, Jelly Belly, and Ginsu knives.
Violence & Scariness
a little
Robot gets stuck and can't be retrieved for months. While circumstances, rather than a lack of trying, prevent his rescue, it emotionally plays like abandonment. Parts of Robot's body are removed and thrown around, which viewers may perceive as cruelty.
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Having a friend is a joyful experience, and friends can grow from the time they spend together. Sometimes even close friends drift away, but new friendships will be made, and that can lead to new experiences. Themes of friendship and loneliness, and Robot's story is likely to inspire compassion.
Positive Role Models
some
Dog and Robot have a close friendship -- they get each other. When Robot is stuck on the beach, Dog tries everything he can to get him out. When he's finally able to legally free Robot, he returns. Still, some viewers might think Dog could have done more.
Educational Value
very little
While there's nothing instructional, the film is a social-emotional demonstration of the fact that some friendships aren't forever, and that's OK.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Robot Dreams is a dialogue-free animated film about the joy and fragility of friendship. It's based on Sara Varon's graphic novel about the relationship between a dog and the robot he builds. Comedic and poignant, it has very little iffy content -- just one brief comedic scene where characters flip their middle fingers at someone. But the movie's kid-friendly cartoon artwork belies the emotion of the story's circumstances. Robot's parts rust on the beach, stranding him alone in the sand for months: He's paralyzed, escaping his situation through wishful imaginative scenarios and memories of his best friend, Dog (who fills the void by keeping active with new friends). Robot knows Dog can't get to him, but viewers may still experience Robot's situation as abandonment. This, and the brutish treatment he receives from those who come across him and think he's scrap, is likely to send your compassion into overdrive (and possibly spark tears). Just know that (spoiler alert!) an unpredictable but happy ending is on the way -- one that's a great conversation starter for tweens. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.
Went into the cinema expecting a light hearted adventure, but was instead faced with the complexities of dysfunctional relationships. Abandonment is the axis around which the movie spins, and the sweet and sour ending is hard to explain to kids.
The movie is great for adults, and older kids, but definitely not meant for small children.
Great movie with a wonderful message for kids and adults.
There is no violence in this film at least not like what you would expect to see outside of ordinary TV and certainly much less so then a typical child would encounter in any grade school recess - although there is one scene where the middle finger is used. My kids are teens but I would not hesitate to show this to them if they were in grade school. Beings how it has no dialogue and is very open to ones own interpretation it can also provide a great opportunity to talk to your kids about what they got out of it and spark a very nice conversation. The overall theme is very heartwarming and while it can be a bit sad in some spots it's not overly so and the end message is beautiful and positive and also resilient :) Adults and children can get a lot out of this beautiful movie. My kids and I did!!
What's the Story?
In ROBOT DREAMS, Dog is living a nice enough life in 1980s New York City, but he's missing one thing: a companion. He assembles Robot, and they become the best of buddies, filling their days with fun and happiness. Then, on a Labor Day outing to Coney Island, Robot's metal parts rust, and he's unable to move -- or be moved -- until the beach reopens the next summer. The film is an adaptation of Sara Varon's same-named graphic novel.
Robot Dreams transcends language to create a wordless, emotional experience that sums up how friendship completes us. It reinforces a truth for many people: Life can be better if you share it with someone. This simple, sweet story demonstrates how a good friend can enhance your life. And how, when that someone isn't there, you can ache.
Dog and Robot's experiences may inspire viewers to fill in their own memories of wonderful times with friends who are no longer in their lives. For kids, losing a friend because of a move, a new school, or a change in activities can be pretty tough. Robot Dreams isn't necessarily the salve for that hurt, especially because Robot encounters some harsh realities while away from Dog. But the movie is an excellent, if emotional, companion piece for tweens or teens who finds themselves between friends, suggesting that hope is on the way.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the saying, "If you love someone, let them go." What does that mean? How does it play out in Robot Dreams?
What is perseverance, and why is it an important character trait? Do you think Dog exhausted his efforts to rescue Robot? Was there anything else he could do?
How does Robot Dreams inspire feelings of compassion?
Dog decides that he needs a companion and takes action to get one. What are some ways to meet people and make friends?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Tara McNamara
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
