‘Arco’ movie review

My favorite part of the new animated movie “Arco” was all the imaginative technology that the filmmakers integrated into the futuristic story, from fire-proof bubbles to projecting people to other places.

The film follows a 10-year-old boy from a peaceful, distant future who accidentally travels back to the year 2075 and discovers that the world is in peril from climate change. He then develops a friendship with a young girl, and they band together to get the boy home.

The gag

I thought the movie was really cute, especially the heartwarming relationship between the two kids. I also loved how they used this sweet film about children to tell an important story about the impacts of climate change. I can totally see why it’s nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars.

Another big highlight of the film for me was these three conspiracy theorists played by Will Ferrell, Andy Samberg and Flea, who were chasing after the little boy to prove he was time traveling. They provided comic relief amidst some pretty heavy themes.

The drag

As for my critiques, I’d say my biggest complaint is that the final act really slowed down and it got kind of boring at times. Up until then, it was fast paced and exciting.

I also think the time traveling of it all could have been explained a little better because it created a few plot holes, like it just seemed like any problem they had could have been fixed by traveling back or forward in time.

And, no spoilers, but the ending was kind of a bummer. It definitely tugged on the heart strings, but I think it could have been a little more uplifting.

The verdict

All in all, though, this film was really sweet and I loved how creative it was. I’d recommend adding it to your list if you like animated movies that touch on larger issues.