ARCO (2025)

The weakest image in the film is the one they are using for the poster

In the far flung future 10 year old Arco borrows his sisters time traveling cloak  and ends up getting trapped in 2075, where clinmate changed weather ravages the world.

This visually stunning animated film is being put into the Oscar mix by some pundits. I don't think the film belongs there, largely because I think many people saying that haven't seen enough animated films, but I think it's a good, if preachy family film.

My feelings for the film are mixed to positive. While I love the visuals, (above movie poster aside), the script is uneven. I am impressed that the film's view of the immediate future is bleak. No American studio would have allowed for that to happen. And while the film doesn't go whole hog into fractured families, I am impressed that the film's ending is as bittersweet as it is. Yes, it speaks of a families love for each other but but it also speaks of the cost. at the same time the film can be very by the numbers in the over all plotting.  Even if there are some (unexpected) dark turns we still know that things will be okay.

I'm also kind of not a fan that the film is getting a dubbed US release. While I have not seen the original French language track friends  who have have said that the French is more alive. I can kind of agree. I think the English voices, with the exception of Will Ferrell who is magnificent,  are kind of blah.

While this film film should have and could have been great, there is enough here, especially if you don't want another Disney Pixar clone - this is more like a dark Ghilbi riff- tht I can recommend it.