Movie Review: THe Willoughbys

The Willoughbys *** ½ / *****

Directed by: Kris Pearn.

Written by: Kris Pearn and Mark Stanleigh and Priscilla Parizeau based on the book by Lois Lowry.

Starring: Will Forte (Tim), Maya Rudolph (Nanny), Alessia Cara (Jane), Terry Crews (Commander Melanoff), Martin Short (Father), Jane Krakowski (Mother), Seán Cullen (Barnaby A & B), Ricky Gervais (The Cat), Brian Drummond (Baby Ruth /Phil /Yokel), Kris Pearn (Spoons McGee), Nancy Robertson (Irene Holmes).

 

If I were to describe the plot of the new Netflix animated film The Willoughbys, you probably think it was too dark for small children, instead of what it really is – which is an utter delight. The plot does involve neglectful, abusive parents to four children, who eventually decide that they would be better off without their parents at all, so they send them on a dangerous trip hoping to become orphans. That sounds dark, and it is, but it’s certainly in line with much children’s entertainment from Roald Dahl to J.K. Rowling to Tim Burton, and none of them have quite this candy-colored outer shell to it. The film is an episodic fantasy or escape and chosen families – and a light one at that – it floats above its premise, acknowledging the darkness, without giving in to it.

 

There are four Willoughby children – the oldest is Tim, who is obsessed with the long, proud, mustachioed history of his family – that is until his parents came along – and messed that all up. The parents (Martin Short and Jane Krakowski) love each other – but are disdainful of their children, and Tim ends up in the coal bin (which is really the dirty basement of the massive, gothic Willoughby home) for things like asking for food. His younger sister is Jane (Alessia Cara) – the more curious of them, and the one more likely to actively get in trouble. Then there are the young twins – both named Barnaby (Sean Cullen), who have to share everything – including their beloved sweater.

 

The movie is very episodic in its structure – first detailing the miserable lives of the Barnaby children with their parents, then moving on a plot involving a very curious baby, who they have to give away to a candy maker that would make Willy Wonka look normal (voiced by Terry Crews). Then there is the plot to get rid of their parents, then the bonding with the very nice nanny (Maya Rudolph) – and then the attempt to rescue their parents, etc. The film does lack a certain narrative momentum – it almost feels more like four episodes of a kids show glued together, rather than a cohesive whole.

 

Yet, it doesn’t really matter. The animation here is delightful. The Willoughbys hair is basically yarn, and each a distinctive, interesting hair style. Their design is delightful as well – each and every character taken to a different extreme. The visual comedy throughout is also a delight – particularly a montage of what happens to every adult who crosses the parents path on their trip.

 

Overall, The Willoughbys is a delight – a forgettable delight mostly, but a delight just the same. The message is slightly different than we normally see – not just to embrace your inner weirdness, but also about the power of chosen families, the resilience of children, and the gradual progress of learning to trust. It’s all wrapped up in a fast moving, candy colored package. It is ideal quarantine viewing for children – and their parents will likely have some fun as well.