3.5 out of 5 stars
The search for friendship is an experience that has been going on throughout human history. This need for connection has been the centrepiece of films throughout the years. While some of these cinematic friendships have gone on to define the term friend. In this modern era, most of the world’s population has ‘friends’ as they are labelled on social media, but are they truly friends? This is the existential query at the heart of 20th Century Studios' animated adventure, Ron’s Gone Wrong.
In the not too distant future, the Apple-inspired tech firm, Bubble, has developed the B-bot's next big technological advance. Wonderkind Marc Weidell (Justice Smith) had the inspiration and creative genius to develop this spherical robot. His creation taps into an individual's online profiles and establishes how it can become anyone’s best friend. An invention that becomes an instant overnight marketing sensation that ends up on every teenager's wish list. Except for those kids who had families that struggled to make ends meet like Barney Pudowski (Jack Dylan Grazer). Even though everyone else at school has been able to get the B-bot, the middle schooler without the latest tech from Bubble becomes even more reclusive. Until one night after his birthday when his father inexplicably gifts Barney with his own B-bot, but something's not quite right with his ‘Best Friend in a Box' named Ron (Zach Galifianakis).
Take the formula of most pre-teen lonesome outcast screenplays, add the voice from Big Hero 6, mix in a whisper of the concept from The Mitchells vs the Machines, nostalgic overtones of E.T. and you have the vibe of Ron’s Gone Wrong. This means while watching the movie, many astute viewers may ponder where they had seen most of the elements of this film. Not to say that the film does not contain heartfelt components and a message that rails against the potentially harmful influence of big tech. Still, originality is not a defining aspect of this computer-generated adventure.
Within this familiar material is a genuine exploration into humanity’s insatiable need for friendship. Some could say that this is a cautionary tale of the impact social media has on mental health. At the same time, the less-than-subtle true message focuses on the value of human connection. Family does play a factor in Barney’s life, but he is moving into that stage where friends play a significant role in the life of this pre-teen. This makes this an excellent catalyst for parents to engage with their children, discuss the value of true friendship, and maybe realise that they do not always need the latest technology.
Barney and Ron’s story benefits from incredible visual computer-generated effects and top-drawer voice talent. Outside of the run-of-the-mill toilet humour, there is very little objectionable material to warn parents about. Where it may lack creativity on the writing side, it makes up for in teen-inspired spirit and comedy.
REEL DIALOGUE: What is the value of male friendship?
'A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.' - Proverbs 18:24
In this modern era, the discussion of male friendship has been under threat. The thing that should be celebrated from this film is male figures merely being able to be friends. No underlying agenda was added for political correctness standards. These two characters can be friends who merely hang out, laugh, and discover what it means to be someone’s ‘bestie.’ Humanity is designed for human connection and friendship. This film provides a positive view of this reality amongst the sophomoric humour and tech-driven undercurrent.
Reel Dialogue encourages parents to be active participants in their children's entertainment choices and discuss with them the lessons that they can learn from these films.
