Ever wondered what happens when a brilliant young inventor stumbles upon a time machine and a family unlike any other? "Meet the Robinsons," Disney's 2007 animated feature, unveils a whimsical world where eccentricity, innovation, and the bonds of family take center stage.
Based loosely on William Joyce's children's book, "A Day with Wilbur Robinson," the film transports viewers to a future brimming with fantastical inventions and peculiar personalities. The story centers on Lewis, a prodigious orphan with a knack for inventing, who embarks on a journey that will change his life forever. This journey introduces him to the Robinson family, a clan of 16 members, each with their unique quirks and a shared passion for the extraordinary. The films release in 2007 coincided with another animated series, "Phineas and Ferb." "Meet the Robinsons" also had its 3D version released in the United Kingdom on March 23, 2007.
| Character | Description | Voice Actor | Key Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cornelius "Lewis" Robinson | The protagonist; a brilliant young inventor searching for his mother. He is 12 years old in 2007, the present time and 42, 30 years later, in 2037. | Daniel Hansen (young), Jordan Fry (older) | Intelligence, determination, a yearning for family, and a penchant for invention. |
| Wilbur Robinson | A mysterious and energetic young man who befriends Lewis and guides him through time. | Michael J. Fox | Optimism, resourcefulness, and loyalty. |
| Bowler Hat Guy / Goob | The antagonist; initially Goob, Lewiss orphanage roommate, later transforms into the villainous Bowler Hat Guy. | Matthew Josten (Goob), Stephen J. Anderson (Bowler Hat Guy) | Jealousy, resentment, and a desire for revenge. |
| Franny Robinson | Wilbur's mother and a talented singer and performer. | Nicole Sullivan | High energy, supportive, and musically inclined. |
| Carl the Robot | The Robinson family's sarcastic and helpful robot butler. | Ethan Sandler | Efficiency, humor, and a dry wit. |
| Billie Robinson | An energetic and eccentric member of the Robinson family. | Kelly Hoover | Energetic, eccentric, caring, and deeply about her family. |
| Fritz Robinson | Married to Petunia, and father of several Robinson children. | Tom Kenny | Loving, supportive and quirky. |
| Petunia | Fritz's hand puppet and wife. | Jess Harnell | Loves her family and has a unique style. |
| Harrington | One of the prospective adoptive mothers for Lewis. | Interested in the child, as well as having a unique appearance. |
Reference: Wikipedia
The Robinsons, a family as eccentric as they are inventive, are central to the film's narrative. Their home is a showcase of futuristic creations, a testament to their boundless creativity and the film's imaginative vision. The family is a blend of characters of various ages and professions, all united by their shared eccentricity and a deep affection for one another. What defines the Robinson family? Certainly, their shared ingenuity plays a part, but more profoundly, their unique blend of eccentricities. All of the female Robinsons share certain traits, while the male Robinsons share others, a running joke that is a part of the film's appeal.
The plot thickens as Lewis, aided by the mysterious Wilbur Robinson, must confront the "Bowler Hat Guy." Initially, Bowler Hat Guy's name was Mortimer Klinch. As Lewis ventures further into the future, he encounters a series of challenges that test his mettle and force him to confront his past. This conflict showcases the film's clever narrative, blending humor, action, and heartfelt emotional moments. In an early script draft, the Bowler Hat Guy and Goob were distinct characters. Mildred, a character in the film, tells Lewis that he owes Goob big time.
The 2007 animated film "Meet the Robinsons" is loosely based on the 1990 children's book "A Day with Wilbur Robinson" by William Joyce, who also worked on the film's art design and executive produced it alongside John Lasseter and Clark Spencer. The film's origins can be traced back to Joyce's book, which introduces the whimsical world of the Robinson family. The visual appeal of the film is enhanced by the storyline. The characters brought the story to life, making the film win widespread acclaim.
The film is full of callbacks, and one of these is the cowlick hairstyle. Another is how the female Robinsons all share the same eccentricity as one another, while all the male Robinsons share another. Both the film, "Meet the Robinsons," and the animated series "Phineas and Ferb" came out in 2007. Fans, and critics alike, have praised the animation in the film for its visual appeal.
The film's themes of family, perseverance, and the importance of embracing one's uniqueness resonate with viewers of all ages. "Meet the Robinsons" is a story that shows that even in a world filled with extraordinary inventions and unconventional personalities, the bonds of family are the greatest strength. The animated feature film "Meet the Robinsons" includes 51 characters, with various voice actors. The characters are each unique in their own right. The movie has a strong plot line with excellent imagery, that brings the story to life.
The film also delves into themes of forgiveness and self-acceptance, as Lewis grapples with his past and learns to embrace the future. The film encourages viewers to value the present and to open themselves up to the possibilities that lie ahead. Throughout the movie Lewis meets the various members of the Robinson family. Each of them is unique in their own right. It has a lighthearted approach, while also bringing deeper themes of family, and belonging.
