THE WILLOUGHBYS (Television Release USA 2020)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

The Willoughbys leaves out some critical thinking processes necessary for the storyline to work. It is out of context with reality and seems pointless. These parents are so uninvolved with their children that the children could not have survived. A professional script re-write needs to happen for plotline gaps and holes and to establish logical detailing to flesh out the story. The movie does not earn its investment of time or money.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The Willoughby children decide raising themselves would be preferable to being raised by their parents.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Kris Pearn, Cory Evans, and Rob Lodermeier for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Larry Bodnar, Jason Cloth, Adam Davids, Teunis deRaat, Ricky Gervais, Aaron L. Gilbert, Richard McConnell, Justin Ottley, Kris Pearn, and Steven Thibault for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tim (Voice of Will Forte), Nanny (Voice of Maya Rudolph), Jane (Voice of Alessia Cara), Commander (Voice of Terry Crews), Father (Voice of Martin Short), Mother (Voice of Jane Krakowski), Barnaby A and B (Voice of Seán Cullen), The Cat (Voice of Rickey Gervais), Baby Ruth/Phil/Yokel (Voice of Brian Drummond), Spoons McGee (Voice of Kris Pearn), Travel Agent (Voice of Fiona Toth), and Taxi Driver/Various Guides/The Perfect Dad/Hippie (Voice of Michael Dobson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. There are more logical and enjoyable animated movies that depict uninvolved parenting (like The Lorax) which offer better entertainment value. The Lorax has re-watchable status because the basic script story sustains itself. But, The Willoughbys does not establish relevancy nor audience interest in the children’s plight.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers