The Mitchells vs. the Machines Parent Guide

“Every kid leaves home. It’s not the end of the world.” Except when it is.

Katie and her dad (voiced by Abbi Jacobson and Danny McBride) have been at loggerheads for years; the bluff outdoorsman mystified by his quirky, artsy daughter. Now that she’s heading off to film school, Dad decides that a cross country road trip is just what the family needs to heal the breach. There’s just one problem: a robot apocalypse is unfolding around the world and it looks like this dysfunctional crew is humanity’s last hope…

The Mitchells vs. the Machines is high octane family entertainment. If you enjoyed The Incredibles, you will get a kick out of the adventures of this far less gifted family. They have plenty of relatable flaws but as Katie says, “The Mitchells have always been weird and that’s what makes us great.” In fact, it’s the Mitchells’ quirks – Dad’s fixation on survival skills, Mom’s (Maya Rudolph) fierce maternal instinct, Aaron’s (Michael Rianda) dinosaur obsession and Katie’s unusual videos – that save the world.

The film’s fun comes with a healthy serving of positive messages, particularly those regarding the importance of family ties. The story demonstrates the need to be patient and empathetic; to try to understand the perspectives of other family members. It encourages viewers to look for the good in others and to consciously try to recognize the distinctive contributions of family members. If your kids can’t stop squabbling, this film might help them switch gears from grousing to gratitude; from anger to appreciation.

The movie’s other overarching theme will also win points from parents, especially if you’re trying to wean your kids away from their screens. Big tech is clearly the villain of the film, with an evil plot to depopulate the planet and keep it for robots. As a duped tech guru ruefully admits, “It’s almost like stealing people’s data and giving it to hyperintelligent AI as part of an unregulated tech monopoly was a bad thing.” If you’re trying to get your kids and teens to take digital security seriously, this film might just scare them into listening to you. (But I’m not making any promises.)

As an option for family movie night, this movie comes with the above-mentioned pluses, as well as lots of on-screen violence between humans and robots and a scene where the Mitchells have to do battle with household appliances and toys. The conflicts are too intense for preschoolers and sensitive children, but most kids will be entertained by the plot, the story, and the exploits of the family’s wall-eyed, amiable-but-brainless pet dog. Even adults will find plenty to like here, from the distinctive animation courtesy of Katie’s filters, doodles, and layers of animated content to the clever story. My only complaint is that the editing isn’t tight enough – the movie’s about ten minutes too long – but, like the Mitchells, no one’s perfect. And you don’t have to be perfect to succeed.