“The Wild Robot” is a charming feature animation film.

“The Wild Robot” tells the story of Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o), a robot stranded on an island who raises an orphan baby goose Brightbill (Kit Connor) and bonds with the wildlife there, including a red fox, Fink (Pedro Pascal.)

The movie is directed by Chris Sanders (director, screenwriter, “How To Train Your Dragon,” 2010; director, screenwriter, “Lilo & Stitch,” 1998; screenwriter, “The Croods,” 2013; screenwriter, “Mulan,” 1998), who co-wrote the screenplay with Peter Brown, author of the “The Wild Robot” (2020).

The dialogue is involving. The story line is interesting. The relationships of the characters are relatable.

The film deals with the theme of kindness, not generally regarded as a survival skill in the wilderness. The film also emphasizes the theme of motherhood. It’s evident that a lot of thought and care went into the concept, design and execution of the film.

The DreamWorks Animation for “The Wild Robot” is extraordinary. The art work is beautiful. On screen, the film retains the rough-edged look of concept art, a recent trend in feature animation films. The “in-the-rough” look is perfect for the nature-based backgrounds and setting of the storyline.

DreamWorks Animation is noted for “Puss in Boots,” “Kung Fu Panda,” “Shrek,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Trolls,” “Madagascar,” “The Boss Baby” and “Chicken Run.”‘

In “The Wild Robot,” the robot of the film’s title is named Rozzum, nicknamed Roz.

Rozzum and the robot’s manufacturer, Universal Dynamics, are references to the 1920 science fiction stage play “Rossum’s Universal Robots,” written by Czech writer Karel Capek.

Capek and his brother Josef Capek are said to have introduced the word, robot. The word is based on the Slavic root, robot, meaning labor.

“Rossum’s Universal Robots” is believed to be the first example of the use of the word robot for a mechanical humanoid.

Lupita Nyong’o (Oscar recipient, supporting actress,”12 Years a Slave,” 2014; “A Quiet Place: Day One,” 2024; “Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker,” 2019; “Black Panther,” 2018) creates a distinctive and emotionally varied voice as Roz.

Kit Connor is excellent as the voice of the baby goose.

Pedro Pascal effectively has a bit of the rascal in his voice as the fox.

The voice talents in “The Wild Robot” include Bill Nighy (Longneck), Stephanie Hsu (Vontra), Mark Hamill (Thom), Ving Rhames (Thunderbolt), Matt Berry (Paddler) and Catherine O’Hara (Pinktail, a possum).

The character animation for Roz is impressive. She is an iconic robot design, destined to become a classic. Roz the robot is set apart from the cute animal characters and the lush backgrounds. The overall style of animation recalls some of the great Disney classic animation feature films.

Look for an Oscar nomination in the feature animation category for “The Wild Robot.”

“The Wild Robot” is a film that can be enjoyed by families. Children will love the clever characters. Parents will enjoy the quality of the animation and the film’s story. A robot roughs it in the wilderness. You can, too. Don’t miss “The Wild Robot.”

“The Wild Robot,” MPAA Rated PG (Parental Guidance Suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. Parents urged to give “parental guidance.” May contain some material parents might not like for their young children.) for action, peril and thematic elements.; Genre: Science Fiction, Computer Animation; Run Time: 1 hour, 42 minutes: Distributed by Universal Pictures.

Credit Readers Anonymous: “Even When I’m Not,” sung by Maren Morris, is heard during the closing credits. Stay to the very end of “The Wild Robot” for a scene with Fink the fox.

At The Movies: “The Wild Robot” was seen in the standard format at AMC Center Valley 16. The film would be fun to see again, and it might be worthwhile to do so in the 3D format.

Theatrical Movie Domestic Weekend Box Office, Oct. 18-20: “Smile 2,” the horror film sequel, opened at No. 1 with $23 million in 3,619 theaters, scaring another horror film sequel, “Terrifier 3,” from its one-week No. 1 run, dropping to No. 3 with $9.3 million in 2,762 theaters, $36.2 million, two weeks, as “The Wild Robot” stayed at No. 2 with $10.1 million 3,829 theaters, $101.7 million, four weeks.

4. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” dropped one place, $5 million in 3,251 theaters, $283.9 million, seven weeks. 5. “We Live In Time,” starring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh, moved up 13 places, $4.1 million in 985 theaters, $4.5 million, two weeks. 6. “Joker: Folie à Deux” dropped two places, $2.1 million in 2,857 theaters, $56.4 million, three weeks. 7. “Piece by Piece” dropped two places, $2.1 million in 1,873 theaters, $7.6 million, two weeks. 8. “Transformers One” dropped two places, $1.9 million in 2,169 theaters, $56.6 million, five weeks. 9. “Saturday Night” dropped two places, $1.8 million in 2,336 theaters, $7.6 million, four weeks. 10. The Nightmare Before Christmas,” $1.1 million in 1,860 theaters, $4.8 million, two weeks.

Movie box office information from Box Office Mojo as of Oct. 20 is subject to change.

Unreel, Oct. 25:

“Conclave,” PG: Edward Berger directs Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini in the Thriller. A cardinal heads the selection of a pope. Based on Robert Harris 2016 novel.

“Venom: The Last Dance,” PG-13: Kelly Marcel directs Tom Hardy (reprising his role as The Marvel comic book character, The Venom), Juno Temple, Alanna Ubach and Chiwetel Ejiofor in the Science-Fiction Thriller

Movie opening date information from Internet Movie Database as of Oct. 20 is subject to change.

Four Popcorn Boxes out of Five Popcorn Boxes