Ron’s Gone Wrong Movie Review
If a Tamagotchi and a phone had a robot baby…
When you were growing up did you have a Tamagotchi? Imagine your Tamagotchi as a 2-3 foot tall robot on wheels following you around all day with the capabilities of your cell phone. What you just imagined is a B-Bot, and we get to see them in action in the new movie Ron’s Gone Wrong. 20th Century Studio’s Ron’s Gone Wrong arrives in theaters on October 22, 2021. Before you head to the theaters you can read my Ron’s Gone Wrong Movie Review below. (Spoiler-free.)
My Ron’s Gone Wrong Movie Review
Ron’s Gone Wrong was not what I expected, but in a good way. Watching the trailers I really thought the movie was going to be geared more towards young kids, and be more lighthearted. After watching the film I was surprised by a couple of things. Mainly the comedy and storytelling. What didn’t surprise me was the animation. The animation is beautiful and exactly what you would expect from 20th Century Studios. But on to what surprised me.
The Story
If you have watched the trailers you know Ron’s Gone Wrong is about Barney and his want/need to own a B-Bot. The must-have tech/toy that everyone has. They are like a walking/talking cell phone. People take them everywhere and their lives revolve around them. But Barney ends up with a defective B-Bot, and the movie is Barney’s journey learning about what true friendship is, and that being different is ok. (It is very heartwarming.)
Other character’s in the movie learn how social media can be a vicious beast that turns on you in a second. The way in which all of these characters learn these lessons are amazing, and Ron’s Gone Wrong is written in a way audiences can find a character in the movie to relate to. I really loved this about the movie, and I know it will spark some great conversations with my kids when it comes to cell phones and social media.
The Comedy
Another aspect of the movie that surprised me was the comedy. Ron’s Gone Wrong is hilarious, but it really comes across as an animated movie made for older kids and adults. Much of the comedy is the over the kids head comedy only adults will get. Also, the B-Bot Ron, voiced by Zach Galifianakis, in the trailers comes across as the comedic relief of the movie, but in the movie he really isn’t. That spot is taken by Olivia Colman as Donka, and Ed Helms as Barney’s father Graham.
Both Olivia and Ed nail their roles, and I would love to see a movie with just those two. Haha! Now, Jack Dylan Grazer also does a fantastic job as the voice of Barney and really makes you feel for his character, but the connection between Zack and Jack just isn’t quite there so the emotional scenes in the movie are just not as impactful as they should be.
My Rating
I really enjoyed Ron’s Gone Wrong. It reminds us that changing ourselves for those likes, comments, or followers is not what is important in life. Being our true authentic self is where it’s at and we should not try to change ourselves or others. While Ron’s Gone Wrong was not what I was expecting, and ended up being a heavier film than I thought it would be it is still hilarious and heartwarming right out of the box. Overall I give Ron’s Gone Wrong a B-.
Parents Guide
Ron’s Gone Wrong is definitely a movie for older kids. There are many movies out there that help to teach kids about being yourself, friendship, and the pros and cons of social media. But in Ron’s Gone Wrong the tone, comedy, and story are presented in a way that may not be entertaining for kids under 7 years old. (They may actually find it boring or not understand the jokes in the film.) There is some physical violence in the movie, but not much. But if bullying is a trigger for you or your child then just be prepared because there is some in the movie.
Movie Synopsis
“Ron’s Gone Wrong” is the story of Barney, a socially awkward middle-schooler and Ron, his new walking, talking, digitally-connected device, which is supposed to be his “Best Friend out of the Box.” Ron’s hilarious malfunctions set against the backdrop of the social media age, launch them into an action-packed journey in which boy and robot come to terms with the wonderful messiness of true friendship.
