Movie Review: 'Robots'

There is no doubt that the movie Robots pushes animation even further than anything yet. Made by 20th Century Fox, who also brought us Ice Age, Robots is much richer in detail, longer, and has a more complex plot than Ice Age. And along with the stunning animation there are some famous actors contributing to the voices -- Mel Brooks, Drew Carey, Ewan McGregor, Halle Berry, and Robin Williams amongst others. Rodney Copperbottom (Ewan McGregor) is a little robot that dreams big about being an inventor -- spurred on by his reputation in his home town for being a genius. He wants to make the world a better place and meet his idol Bigweld who is a master inventor. When it looks like big business is going to make it impossible for his family and friends to buy upgrades and, therefore, face becoming obsolete, he decides to journey to Bigweld's factory to confront the evil business men and save the day. On the way he meets various characters good and not-so-good and opposition to his plan. The movie is visually stunning with intricate detail and awesome animation. Unfortunately, the plot is pretty thin -- sure, it has a nice, cute message but compared to recent movies such as The Incredibles I found it a little boring, superficial and predictable. No amount of special effects can compensate for a thin plot. Still, the kids will love it and it is a visual feast. My Rating: ***1/2 (out of 5 - the 1/2 a star is for the visuals!) Best Review 'Full of wit, charm and wonder. It's so hilarious, you might blow a gasket.' - Baltimore Sun/Michael Sragow Worst Review 'The video-game sequences are impressive, but you know that a 'toon is in big trouble when its most powerful theme is planned obsolescence.' - Wall Street Journal/Joe Morgenstern Content Warnings Some brief language and suggestive humor

Movie Review: 'My House in Umbria'

Loneliness and the deep yearning for love are at the heart of this beautiful, gentle movie originally made for HBO cable TV. Mrs Emily Delahunty (Maggie Smith), a romance novelist, lives in Italy and survives a terrorist bombing of the train she is traveling in on her way to a shopping trip in Milan. Most of the people in the carriage die but three of her traveling companions survive - a German journalist, a British general, and a traumatised orphan girl who become mute as a result of the accident. Each of these people continue to suffer as a result of their traumatic experience and, in a spontaneous act of generosity, Mrs Delahunty invites them back to her tranquil home to recuperate. All goes well until the orphaned girl's American uncle turns up to collect her and who despises the relaxed, untroubled lifestyle that Mrs Delahunty has surrounded her charges with. Then things start to get a little rocky. Maggie Smith is delightful in her role as the caring "mother" who dotingly nurtures her residents back to physical and emotional health. A fine, entertaining film with a gentle heart. My Rating: **** (out of 5)