Robots (2005) Review: Ranking Robin Williams’ Bland Animated Adventure
Is Robots (2005) a good movie? No, Robots is a visually impressive but painfully bland 2005 animated movie. Despite a manic, 5-star vocal performance from Robin Williams, the nonsensical plot and disjointed storytelling leave it sitting near the bottom of our ultimate movie ranking and review.
The Premise: What is Robots About?
Set in a world entirely populated by machines, the film follows Rodney Copperbottom, an optimistic young inventor. Rodney travels to Robot City to meet his hero, Bigweld, but discovers the company has been taken over by the ruthless Ratchet. Ratchet pushes a profit-driven agenda that stops the production of spare parts, forcing older robots to buy expensive upgrades or be destroyed. Teaming up with a group of "outmoded" misfits, including the loud Fender (Robin Williams), Rodney fights to save Robot City.
What Works: Planned Obsolescence
The core idea—companies intentionally making products obsolete to sell more expensive versions—is actually a great topic to explore. Anyone who has ever owned a smart device can connect with the frustration of planned obsolescence.
What Doesn't Work: Zero Rules and Forced Improv
Unfortunately, the film has no clearly defined rules and seems far more interested in showing off how cool 2005 CGI metal textures looked while the camera flies around wildly.
The story itself barely makes sense. How does a universally loved company owner just get pushed out by an obviously evil guy? It is never explained, and the resolution is literally just Bigweld returning and saying "It's my company again". The voice acting is also stuffed with anyone on 20th Century Fox’s payroll—did we really need Jay Leno as a fire hydrant?
Worst of all, Robin Williams' character feels like what a high-level executive thought Robin Williams should be. In Aladdin, the Genie's tangents worked because they connected to the story. Here, the improv is random, sporadic, and forced.
The Robin Williams Ranking & Performance Score
Robin Williams Performance Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 Stars) Even in a painfully bland movie, Robin Williams does exactly what is asked of him, delivering a highly energetic 5-star performance.
Good Mourning Robin Ranking: In our ranking, it is not the worst thing in the world, but it is incredibly forgettable. I am placing it just above the other Robin Williams robot movie, Bicentennial Man.
FAQ: Robots (2005) Movie
Who did Robin Williams voice in Robots? He voiced Fender, a loud, falling-apart "outmoded" robot who provides the primary comic relief.
What is the message of the movie Robots? The film tackles the real-world issue of planned obsolescence, criticizing corporations that stop providing spare parts to force consumers into buying expensive upgrades.
Why do critics dislike Robots (2005)? In our review, we critique the film for prioritizing visual spectacle over a coherent plot, featuring disjointed storytelling and celebrity voice cameos that add nothing to the movie.
How does Robin Williams' performance in Robots rank? He earns a 5-star score, though his comedic tangents feel somewhat forced by the script rather than organically woven into the story like his work in Aladdin.
