The Mitchells vs The Machines is an animated family film that delivers a relatable and action-packed storyline. Touted as a Sci-Fi comedy, it certainly delivers lots of laughs yet at the same time provides a heartwarming message. Is this new Netflix movie kid-friendly? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements, including its PG rating, in my The Mitchells vs The Machines Parents Guide and Movie Review. Here’s what parents need to know to help YOU decide if it’s appropriate for kids. As always, no spoilers!
The Mitchells vs The Machines Parents Guide + Movie Review
To say my family has been anxiously awaiting the release of The Mitchells vs. The Machines, is an understatement. When I attended the New York International Children’s Film Festival, we got a sneak peek of the movie, as well as a special Q&A with Director Michael Rianda and Head of Story Guillermo Martinez. Although I only saw a small clip of the film, it surprised me with its emotional content.
On the surface, The Mitchells vs. The Machines, might seem like your typical animated action adventure comedy. However, once you dive into the layers of the film, you’ll realize it’s about so much more.
The Story
The Mitchells vs. The Machines introduces us to The Mitchell Family, narrated by the story’s protagonist, Katie Mitchell (voiced by Abbi Jacobson). Katie is your typical teenager who thinks her parents don’t understand her, and feels like she doesn’t fit in. In fact, the only person who truly gets her is her little brother, Aaron (voiced by Michael Rianda). Katie’s life is about to change when she receives a college acceptance letter to a film school. Finally! Katie will be with “her people.”
Meanwhile, Katie’s mom, Linda (voiced by Maya Rudolph), is consumed with the idea of the perfect family. She is continuously comparing her family to others and wants to have that perfect image. Linda is obsessed with Instagram, and envying over what other people are doing. Of course Linda’s behavior is exceptionally relevant to today’s social media driven world. We are constantly scrutinizing every aspect of our lives in relation to others. We need to remember that the picture doesn’t always tell the whole story. Authenticity matters.
Katie’s dad, Rick (voiced by Danny McBride), truly doesn’t understand his quirky daughter’s personality. However, he soon realizes time is fleeting and he misses the connection they once had. Determined to save his family, and his relationship with Katie, Rick decides to embark on a cross-country road trip, along with his family, to bring Katie to college.
Things take an unexpected turn when they find themselves in the middle of a robot apocalypse! Ironically enough, the Mitchells are the sole family in the world that can save humanity. Can they come together as a family for their biggest challenge yet?
IS THE MITCHELLS VS THE MACHINES KID-FRIENDLY? HERE’S YOUR PARENTS GUIDE:
Family bonding on a cross-country road trip. An animated adventure comedy filled with lots of laughs, a crazy cute pug, and a robot apocalypse. Is The Mitchells vs. The Machines okay for kids? Is it scary or violent? What about the language? Here’s what parents need to know about The Mitchells vs. The Machines on Netflix.
The Mitchells vs. The Machines is rated PG for action and some language. It has a runtime of 1 hour 49 minutes, which to be honest, can sometimes be a bit long for a kids flick. Let’s breakdown the film’s thematic elements and take a closer look.
Violence
The Mitchells are in the midst of a robot apocalypse. Their family is trying to ultimately defeat the robots with the “kill code” and save humanity. Clearly, there is going to be some violence. I’m going to compare it to a more mild version of the violence seen in Incredibles 2. I’m using Incredibles 2 as a reference, because there are a few similarities between the two films. I don’t want to give much away, but if you’ve seen both movies, it’s easy to pick up on.
Language
While there is no profanity, there are a few choice words that certainly could have been omitted. I heard words like “stupid,” “idiot,” and “dummy.” If it’s not something you’d like your children to say, there’s no reason it belongs in a kids movie.
Important Messages
There are so many great takeaways in this film. There is a “war of Wi-Fi” of sorts, and it’s quite terrifying because of its relevance. It makes us look at the scary reality of how we are influenced and controlled by screens, and just how far we’ll go to have that connection. There is a real clear message that our personal connections are more valuable than screens, and it showcases our vulnerability to being constantly connected. While younger kids won’t understand this message, it’s definitely there.
Above all, The Mitchells vs. The Machines shows us that no family is perfect, but together, we can have the perfect family. Your family, and your connection with your family, is worth fighting for.
Age Recommendation
The Mitchells vs. The Machines surprised me — in a good way! It sometimes seems hard finding a movie the entire family will enjoy. In our house, we have a multi-generational family, and I can honestly say this is a movie we would ALL enjoy. My only criticism is the duration, I think it is about 20 minutes too long, and some of the language choices — those words are just not needed. However, putting those issues aside, I’d recommend The Mitchells vs. The Machines for ages 6 and up. There’s a lot of action, a lot of laughs, and a lot of FUN.
Overall Thoughts
The Mitchells vs. The Machines will inspire you to love your family a little bit harder. To appreciate your differences and to remember that authenticity is greater than perfection. The Mitchells vs. The Machines premieres exclusively on Netflix, April 30, 2021. Grab your family, your popcorn, and enjoy this family movie together. P.S. watch the end credits!
THE MITCHELLS VS THE MACHINES SYNOPSIS
From the humans who brought you the Academy Award-winning Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse and The LEGO Movie comes The Mitchells vs. The Machines, an animated action-comedy about an ordinary family who find themselves in the middle of their biggest family challenge yet…saving the world from the robot apocalypse. No big deal, right? It all starts when creative outsider Katie Mitchell is accepted into the film school of her dreams and is eager to leave home and find “her people,” when her nature-loving dad insists on having the whole family drive her to school and bond during one last totally-not-awkward-or-forced road trip.
But just when the trip can’t get any worse, the family suddenly finds itself in the middle of the robot uprising! Everything from smart phones, to roombas, to evil Furbys are employed to capture every human on the planet. Now it’s up to the Mitchells, including upbeat mom Linda, quirky little brother Aaron, their squishy pug, Monchi, and two friendly, but simple-minded robots to save humanity.
I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS NETFLIX THE MITCHELLS VS THE MACHINES PARENTS GUIDE AND MOVIE REVIEW HELPFUL FOR YOUR FAMILY. WILL YOU BE WATCHING?!\
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I would say M&Ms.