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The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)

2021 • 1h 50m • Adventure, Animation • PG
On September 29, 2026
#9245▼ 251
9245th by Pulse movie online
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CinemaSerf on The Mitchells vs. the Machines

7/10 · Mar 29, 2025

It seems fitting that as governments grapple over defence spending percentages, this film highlights how little use military might will be when humanity faces a truly existential crisis. Specifically, what happens when the internet goes down? Imagine how much of our world would cease to function without that constant signal. Our water, power, and even food are all managed by systems dependent on technology – systems that could vanish in an instant! Fortunately, the “Mitchell” family steps in to stop a scheming smartphone from wiping out humanity so appliances can frolic freely and refrigerators can enjoy unlimited beer. Dad, who bears a resemblance to the late British DJ Steve Wright, is determined to drive his daughter "Katie" to film school, much to her discomfort, and they embark on a road trip with Mom, brother “Aaron,” and their pet piglet “Monchi” – a journey that feels destined for trouble. They couldn’t have foreseen the specific kind of disaster ahead, though, as machines rise up against humans, and this family, along with two helpful robots they meet, unexpectedly become humanity's last hope. The smartphone queen has offered a small chance of reprieve, but a convincing reason to abandon her plans is unlikely to surface in time. So, the family must rely on their intelligence and technical skills to defend themselves from an army of washing machines, microwaves, and vacuum cleaners. While the plot follows familiar lines, emphasizing values like family unity, cooperation, and mutual support, it also offers some amusing characters. Mom, “Linda,” is particularly fierce when her children are in danger and notices a concerning shade of red as these metal beings attack. There's a host of other entertaining supporting players, and at times the film feels akin to a Japanese animé, with the kids taking center stage and improvising their way toward an energetic conclusion. The underlying message isn’t pushed too hard; instead, it presents us with silly situations that might not be so silly after all. The idea of artificial intelligence growing tired of our conflicts, wars, and environmental destruction feels surprisingly plausible, and perhaps isn't entirely unwelcome. It moves at a breakneck speed, is genuinely enjoyable, and maybe even carries a warning.

Source on TMDB