17 years ago, Disney releasedMeet the Robinsons, a tale about a young inventor whose determination to find his birth mother takes him on a trip to the future. Since then,Meet the Robinsonshas become a forgotten Disney movie, but it is unquestionably one of the studio’s most underrated films. The incredibly touching story is from the vision of Stephen J. Anderson, who has gone on to create some ofthe best Disney movies of all time, including titles likeBig Hero 6,Moana, andFrozen 2. The filmmakers' creative direction resulted inMeet the Robinsonsbecoming one of the greatest time travel movies ever.

Meet the Robinsonsis somewhat inspired by a novel from 1990,A Day with Wilbur Robinson.However, the movie introduces a wider range of characters to expand the narrative across its two worlds. There are plenty of amusing moments inMeet the Robinsons, which are counterbalanced by its moving wider story.Meet the Robinsonsencourages people to “keep moving forward,“incorporating thefamous Walt Disney quoteas the film’s central message, resonating with viewers of any age.

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Meet the Robinsons' Time Travel Story Is Incredibly Emotional & Heartbreaking

The Time Travel Story In Meet the Robinsons Still Holds Up Today

It must be said thatMeet the Robinsons’time travel story is not groundbreaking, but it is lots of fun. The young inventor, Lewis, is swept away to the future by Wilbur, a young boy who needs his help. Lewis begins to bond with his friend’s family, the Robinsons, as the film explores the sense of belonging and the importance of found family.Meet the Robinsonsfocuses on an incredibly emotional commitment from Lewis to find his birth mother, and uncover the truth behind why she gave him away after he was born.

Meet the Robinsonshas one of the most heartbreaking, yet important, life lessons across Disney’s expansive collection. When Wilbur presents Lewis with an opportunity to meet his biological mother, the young inventor walks away from the chance. It is the movie’s most impactful scene, and it shapes the entire film. Disney’s forgotten animation expertly makes use of time travel, to demand we let go of the past in order to embrace a brighter future.Meet the Robinsonsis certainly one of Disney’s more experimental stories, but it nonetheless remains just as impactful as many better-known offerings.

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Meet the Robinsons Isn’t Talked About Enough For How Good The Disney Movie Is

Meet the Robinsons Is Not Revolutionary, But It’s An Excellent Family Film

While the animation inMeet the Robinsonsis fairly typical, the movie’s story is what sets it apart. Amid the backdrop of Pixar movies likeWall-EandToy Story,Meet the Robinsonsseemed fairly conservative in its use of CGI. However, the carefully structured time-travel narrative more than compensated.Meet the Robinsonsis a remarkably crafted storythat uses the time travel device to bring emotional depth to its characters – essentially using it as a novel way to make the audience empathize with what’s unfolding on screen.

One of Disney’s greatest charms is returning to their films as an adult to discover new meanings, which provides a completely new viewing experience.

One of Disney’s greatest strengths is its films' capacity to contain hidden depths that only become clear with repeat viewing.Meet the Robinsonsis no exception to this rule.The movie forgoes the classic Disney princess tropes, which elevates the story from many other Disney tales and helps provide an unforgettable cinematic journey – enhanced by an innovative use of time travel as a narrative device.