For years we’ve reviewed some of the latest animated family films and live action remakes. But we’ve mostly stuck to one or two studios. We are changing that today. Just in time for The Mitchells vs the Machines review, ahead of release this Friday. It is a new family film coming to Netflix by the same creators as Spider-Man Into the Spider Verse. The trailers had me wondering if I’d watch it or skip it. We got to screen it early and I’m stoked to say I was pleasantly surprised.

While this movie didn’t blow me out of the water like the Marvel film, we still found this movie to be well done, meaningful, and hilarious. The fact that you don’t have to pay to see it in theaters. Or pay a premium streaming rental, is a big bonus. Here’s what you need to know before watching The Mitchells vs the Machines. An honest review (leaving all of the spoilers out of it).

Keep reading to learn more and for some fun reactions I learned about the movie when I was able to interview some of the cast.

What parents need to know: The Mitchells vs the Machines Review

The Mitchell’s vs the Machines is an action-packed animated movie with a vibrant animation style that pulls you in from the get go. There were some surprise live action elements snuck in here and there to highlight the main character and her artistic abilities. The story followed a family on an accidental adventure to save the world after a new robot invention goes wrong (who’s surprised there?). 

This isn’t your Incredibles family, in fact, though we are huge fans of The Incredibles, there’s so much that’s really endearing and relatable about the Mitchell’s family that has you rooting for them from the start. 

There are different aspects of this movie that I want to touch on that you may enjoy looking for or discussing with your family if you choose this movie for Family Movie Night. I’ll also go into the intensity level that may scare some young children. 

Celebrating Individuality 

Each of the Mitchells have unique personality quirks that tugged on my heart strings. In fact, that’s one of my favorite aspects of the movie. The movie really showed what it’s like when children are allowed to lean into their individual gifts. Each Mitchell really gets a special time to shine. Not only that but I could see a little bit of my family in them. This was something I asked Maya Rudolph and Abbi Jacobson who played Katie and Linda Mitchell in the movie and I loved hearing what they had to say.

Family Dynamics 

In so many movies and TV shows we see siblings bickering, who seemingly hate each other. Sometimes it’s the reality in many of our homes. But it’s nice when to actually get to see a movie portray siblings that actually get along. That’s a positive of this movie. The tension however, is between the father and the daughter. Through the film you get to see how they come to understand and appreciate each other for who they are.

There’s some cute banter between the parents that had me belly laughing, and other funny scenes between siblings that my kids loved. Several times through the movie we would look at each other and point to who a particular phrase or dialogue reminded us of in our home. 

Family Time vs Screen Time

While robots are the main bad guys in this movie, they aren’t the only technological villain. It opens the door for conversations surrounding technology, screen time, and how they play a part in family relationships. There was a bit of “bumbling Dad” humor that could rub people the wrong way, but in our home it fits the bill. 

Director Michael Rianda even said that this is one of the takeaways families get out of the film. “If we could heal the nation, that would be awesome,” he said with a laugh. “But really, if we could bring families together that would be my ultimate hope for the movie.” With a side of “don’t trust the robots.” And perhaps tech companies don’t have our best interests at heart.

Is Mitchells vs Machines too Scary for Little Ones?

While The Mitchells vs the Machines is an animated story with cute colorful characters. There are still some parts that may be scary for young children. Lee Lee got a little nervous (though still very captivated) during some of the combat scenes. If this was a theatrical release as originally planned I think it could be a bit frightening for little kids. Especially with the large screen and loud noises. But at home, on a TV screen, in the comfort of your own home, they might not find it too scary. 

A Kids Review of The Mitchells vs the Machines

What did you think of the movie?

Ty: I liked it! 

Jayda: It was really funny. 

What was your favorite part?

Ty: My favorite part was when the robots went to Japan. How come there weren’t any sumo wrestlers? 

Jayda: When the mom defends her family. And the “perfect family’s” plan. 

Do you think other families will enjoy it?

Ty: I guess. I think yea. They might give it a 3 or a 4 (out of 5) it depends, I don’t know. 

Jayda: Yea. Because it seems like a really good family movie. 

What do you think was the message of the movie?

Ty: That there’s nothing more important than family. 

Jayda: That families can come together and understand each other. 

Which character did you most relate to?

Ty: I liked the dog and the robots. 

Jayda: The main character, Katie, because I’m weird. 

What would you rate the movie out of 10?

Ty: A 6, it’s not in my top 25 or top 38 movies.

Jayda: A 7. 

Do you want to watch it again?

Ty: Yea! 

Jayda: Yes!

Would you recommend your friends watch the movie? Why or why not?

Ty: Yes, because I think it’s funny. 

Jayda: Yes I’d recommend it for movie night. Maybe not just alone because it’s a really good family movie. 

Did you think it was scary?

Ty: NO! Not at all. It’s just a regular movie. What? It’s not scary. 

Jayda: No, not at all. 

Anything else you want to add?

Ty: It was a good family movie. I liked the Japan part! (Note: the Japan part was a few seconds, but he noticed it). 

Jayda: No

Good Enough for a Family Movie Night Pick?

Is The Mitchells vs the Machines Family Movie Night pick worthy, or better to turn on and let the kids enjoy alone? We all give it two thumbs up and say it’s absolutely worth watching together. I’d even argue that it’s meant to be enjoyed that way. No matter the age of your kid (Lee Lee was the youngest and my littlest sister Kimberly, who is almost 16 also watched it with us, and even my 75 year old grandmother). It’s a movie everyone could be able to enjoy together. 

I give it four out of five stars for the family dynamics, funny moments and quirky personalities we saw ourselves in. 

The Mitchells vs the Machines hits Netflix Friday April 30th. Keep it as an idea for your family movie night. And let us know if you decide to watch and what you think! 

Tags: family movie night, movie review, netflix