Here’s my The Mitchells vs the Machines review which is now streaming on Netflix and released by Sony Pictures featuring the voices of Danny McBride, Abbi Jacobson, Maya Rudolph, Mike Rianda, Conan O’Brien, Eric Andre, Olivia Colman, Beck Bennet and Fred Armisen. The film was directed by Mike Rianda.

The Mitchell Family: Linda (Maya Rudolph), Katie (Abbi Jacobson), their dog Monchi, Aaron (Michael Rianda) and Rick (Danny McBride) in Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation’s CONNECTED.

This animated sci-fi/family/road trip movie was originally titled Connected and was supposed to be released in theaters last year but ended up getting a major release on Netflix.

The Mitchell Family: Aaron (Michael Rianda), Rick (Danny McBride), Katie (Abbi Jacobson) and Linda (Maya Rudolph) with their dog Monchi in Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation’s CONNECTED.

It’s been awhile since we got a fun family movie and thank the Netflix gods that we got this film amidst the lock down. So like the title suggests, its a dysfunctional family coming together during a road trip amidst a machine apocalypse that’s about to succeed in taking over the world and almost shipping off all of humanity to a one-way trip to outer space.

There were a lot of strong characterizations in this movie as well as awesome voice talents. The biggest stars would have to be Danny McBride who plays Mitchells patriarch Rick Mitchell as well as Abbi Jacobson as strong and determined Katie Mitchell. Of course the other cast members also shine in their own way like Olivia Colman who plays the rogue AI known as PAL.

They also have a great “cameo” here in the form of Chrissy Tiegen and John Legend who play the Mitchell’s “perfect” neighbors, The Poseys. The object of Linda’s envy throughout the movie.

“Mitchells vs the Machines” also takes a good and intelligent look at our culture right now. We’re in this society right now that focuses more on social media and devices. It’s become an integral part of our lives that we immediately go ballistic whenever we lose our internet connection. And it’s nicely shown in the movie when PAL wants to make the collection of humans as fast as possible so she turns off the WiFi in the world and makes everybody go crazy. There’s even a funny segment there where a dude asks a lady to unbox the package. It’s crazy.

Katie (Abbi Jacobson) in Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation’s CONNECTED.

It also explores the current dynamics for families with dads who aren’t keen on technology and techie kids. Like how do they find a middle ground for conversation and where do they draw the line of opinions and statements. Katie feels alienated and disappointed in her own home especially with how her dad treats her and the craft that she loves.

It also gets dark from time to time especially when it comes to the two robotic comedy foils in the form of Eric and Deborahbot 5000 played by Fred Armisen and Beck Bennett. They even had one scene where Deborahbot 5000 suddenly asked Linda what death is. And there’s this black cloud suddenly blanketing over us.

And while this is a story of a family on the road, this is also a story of Katie and how she finds herself, her familial support and her self-confidence. This is a cathartic story for the character who pretty much just wants acceptance from her family and from her dad. Something that she didn’t get that much or have had differences growing up.

The humor here and the visuals is definitely off the wall and I love this. It’s got quirky designs and visuals and I totally loved Monchi (although I still don’t really want pugs in general). The whole thing about the robots getting confused on whether Monchi is a dog or a pig or a loaf of bread cracked me up big time. Also Furby. Nuff said!

The Mitchells vs the Machines review – Verdict

9/10

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