The Wild Robot (5 Stars)

Based on the trailers, this is a film I've been waiting to see for months. It's classed as a children's film, but that description doesn't do it justice. I'd prefer to say that it's a film for the whole family, including children.

The film is based on a book with the same name by the author Peter Brown. A robot designed for household chores is washed ashore after a shipwreck. The robot identifies as female, which is logical. She should have become a maid. The robot, called Roz, finds herself on a small island inhabited only by animals. She wanders around looking for a mission to fulfil. She's been programmed to serve, but there's nobody to tell her what to do. She learns the languages of the animals around her, but she still receives no instructions.

While fleeing from a grizzly bear, Roz accidentally destroys a goose's nest. Only one egg remains intact. On birth the gosling recognises Roz as her mother. This is the task that Roz was looking for. She adopts the goose and brings him up with the help of a fox called Fink.

Childish? Yes, but the film contains many elements that will appeal to adults. There are hints about the importance of wildlife conservation. The film is heart-warming, and I walked out of the cinema feeling happy. Any film that can do that to me is worth watching.