Excitement, giggles and lessons await viewers of all ages as a dysfunctional family unexpectedly finds themselves in the middle of a robopocalypse in The Mitchells vs. the Machines, the latest animated caper that has landed on the streaming service Netflix.

The bright and breezy adventure centres on the quirky Mitchells clan: aspiring filmmaker Katie (voiced by Abbi Jacobson), her protective father Rick (Danny McBride), mother Linda (Maya Rudolph), and dinosaur-obsessed younger brother Aaron (Mike Rianda).

Katie is looking forward to escaping her family and finding “her people” as she leaves for film school, but instead of the flight she plans to take, she is forced into a road trip with her entire household – pet dog Monchi included – by her dad. What is meant to be a bonding experience, however, soon turns into an entirely different adventure when a robot uprising interrupts their journey.

Turns out a spurned virtual assistant programme, Pal (Olivia Coleman), who is upset that she is being replaced by an updated robotic model, has decided to capture all the humans in the world and launch them into space!

The Mitchells, eventually, are the only people standing in Pal’s way. What does it say about humanity’s chances of survival that this group of weirdos is the best hope they’ve got?

With plenty of humour and a whole lot of heart, The Mitchells vs. the Machines delivers not just an enjoyable, action-packed adventure, but also addresses tech dependence while inspiring you to not just embrace, but celebrate your weirdness. Plus, it reinforces the lesson that family is always worth fighting for.

It’s fun, it’s funny, it’s visually impressive and it’s certain to brighten your day and leave you with positive inspirations.

The Mitchells vs. the Machines has been rated PG by the MPAA.

Published in Dawn, Young World, May 29th, 2021