The film isn't bad. The voice-acting, the unique characters, the dark humor, the animation, all make it quite an intriguing story right of the bat. Unfortunately, what starts out as a truly unique tale gives way to a horribly predictable and cliched ending. I truly thought this movie had promise, but once you realize where it's heading it's charm dwindles fast. What starts out as a daring piece of film ultimately loses out by playing it safe.
201 Reviews
Darker than most family fare
Sir_AmirSyarif24 April 2020
A mix of 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' and 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' and 'Mary Poppins'? Darker and pretty disturbing than most family fare but still has its moments especially with its beautiful animation style and great voice acting.
Based on a Roald Dahl story in a parallel universe.
AhmedSpielberg9924 April 2020
The vast majority of the jokes fall entirely flat and I think an insanely fast-paced movie with an hour-and-half runtime should have been way more entertaining. The major issue I have with this, though, is that it keeps shifting from one interesting storyline to another, and trying to convince us every time it that this would be the basis of the plot, before almost abandoning them and settling on a rather far less interesting and original plotline to serve its message, which is very problematic.
That said, I did enjoy this. It's so silly, for better or worse, and has a tinge of freshness, extremely eccentric and quirky characters (I think these parents are the creepiest I've seen in any movie) and breezy animation style similar to what Kris Pearn has done in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2. But, to be honest, the intrusive meta-narrator cat is the true highlight of the movie.
(6/10)
That said, I did enjoy this. It's so silly, for better or worse, and has a tinge of freshness, extremely eccentric and quirky characters (I think these parents are the creepiest I've seen in any movie) and breezy animation style similar to what Kris Pearn has done in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2. But, to be honest, the intrusive meta-narrator cat is the true highlight of the movie.
(6/10)
Living on their own
kosmasp18 June 2020
Animated families are fun. Even when they are missguided or missinformed. In this case trying to live alone or on their own is the main idea. And the introduction of the characters by none other than cat ... I mean Ricky Gervais is quite the thing. Starts off quite fun I'd say.
This isn't quite Pixar, but it is fun entertainment. For the whole family - that is what animation is for. Decent effort overall
This isn't quite Pixar, but it is fun entertainment. For the whole family - that is what animation is for. Decent effort overall
Great little movie, one big stereotype
overtonlesley26 April 2020
Loved the animation and the fresh approach to complex family dynamics. Big glaring issue is how the rag on Child Protctive Services in the same old boring trope of souless robots out to sequester children. These people are an integral part to protecting our society's most vulnerable from the very people who should have be providing a loving and caring home but neglect to do so. Hey Netflix, how bout some positive examples for these incredible and hard working heroes next time eh?
Dark Humor
leonshikto15 March 2021
Great movie. I was entertained from start to finish. It felt more suitable for a grown audience than kids and thats why I enjoyed it. The story was set perfectly and it felt like something new. 1.5/2 for story and 1/1 for plot setting.
I do not always like this animation style but for this movie it felt nice and fun. 1.5/2. The cast and flow of scenes sometimes made no sense but as it is an animated movie I am not going to judge. 1/2. Lastly, I give it 1.5/2 from myself. and 0.5/1 for a fresh concept in animated family flicks.
I do not always like this animation style but for this movie it felt nice and fun. 1.5/2. The cast and flow of scenes sometimes made no sense but as it is an animated movie I am not going to judge. 1/2. Lastly, I give it 1.5/2 from myself. and 0.5/1 for a fresh concept in animated family flicks.
Better than Trolls: World Tour
qiu_xinzhi24 April 2020
During this quarantine period, there are a limited number of new releases for entire family to see. There is Trolls: World Tour, and there's this. Between the two, the Willoughbys stood out with its oddball humor, relatable characters and (kinda) positive message.
The Willoughbys gives hope to kids with bad parents
nyxstrix22 April 2020
I absolutely adored this movie! It took me on an emotional roller coaster through the lows and the highs in the lives of the Willoughbys. I'm certain this is going in my hall of fame. This movie is great for all ages and teaches you the lesson of love and that it doesn't always have to be biological. Someone could learn a thing or two from this movie.
Great Plot
simaba24 January 2021
Not only it's beautifully made, I think it's such an important animation for kids with bad parents.. only someone with bad parents would understand how much this would mean to a child like that and how much it could actually help them!!
Not a good message to children.
shellsworth13 May 2020
I like the idea of the story and I love the actors, but I'm really upset by the message it sends to children. The story is about neglected children that send their parents away and at one point in the film the "Orphan Protective Services" shows up to take them away. At that point the nanny gets really scared and tries to run away with the kids to protect them. The OPS then storms into the house in a very scary manner. As someone that has worked with children in abusive situations this scene can really influence children's fears about being taking away from abusive parents. It might prevent children from reporting abuse and instill fears that being taken away is worse than what they are experiencing. I do feel like it's important to talk about abuse and to not hide it in movies, but at the same time, helping children understand that the services that are there to protect will actually protect them.
Don't trust the bad ratings
pierreolivier-2128723 April 2020
I personally do not get the ratings. The animation looks amazing and unique. The story and characters are a bit weird but they have their charm.
The only thing I do not get is the choice of voices for certain characters.
Melanoff doesn't sound like the old man he looks like. The Barnabys sounds like adults when they are the youngest kids. They are surely weird like they are described, that's a fact.
It's kinda a modern "A series of unfortunate events". Considering the story, Mr Gervais is perfect as the narrator! However, in my opinion, his voice and pitch doesn't really fit the cat. In all, it is a great story, with some mistakes, but fantastic animation to back it up.
I loved the differences in animation between the story itself and what the children imagine!
Melanoff doesn't sound like the old man he looks like. The Barnabys sounds like adults when they are the youngest kids. They are surely weird like they are described, that's a fact.
It's kinda a modern "A series of unfortunate events". Considering the story, Mr Gervais is perfect as the narrator! However, in my opinion, his voice and pitch doesn't really fit the cat. In all, it is a great story, with some mistakes, but fantastic animation to back it up.
I loved the differences in animation between the story itself and what the children imagine!
Adventures in Yarnia
questl-1859213 May 2020
Zero expectations led to a surprisingly fun little movie. It's quirky and weird but I found it charming. Seemed a bit reminiscent of A series of Unfortunate Events, which is not a bad thing.
Fun little family movie on Netflix. Worth a watch.
Fun little family movie on Netflix. Worth a watch.
Poorly written but visually... pleasant
demetrius1124 April 2020
Out of ten stars I give this a 5 for the art department and a 0 for the writing,
The artists made a strong effort to build on poor rushed writing and managed to create something out of nothing. I was very disappointed to be introduced to a very promising "home" by one of my favorite artists, Ricky Gervais, and then be taken through a pointless ride only to end up at a most expected outcome. (Trying to spare you from spoilers). Anyways, this movie could have been quite good but sadly it is not.
If only I had worked on it...
Rainbows, darling
rabenulrik22 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I watched this after seeing a 2020 upcoming cartoons last Xmas on Youtube. Not for everyone as it´s more for the crowd that loves indie cartoons on TV and movie stram, but it has everything to offer. This is the Youtubers Thetimtracker meeting The Rainbow Factory PMV, and if you could not had handle schoomebedoo talk in Hearts and Hooves day this is 80 minutes with humans.
Odd sense of humour
briancham199424 July 2020
This film has a strange and twisted sense of humour that is good for the dark-minded children out there. The art style is fantastically stylised and rendered. The story is very fast paced and full of sudden disconnections that might get tiresome.
Great message, Great visuals, Great Characters, Messy Plot
aidanrulez-9572926 April 2020
Let's get through the good of it first:
-Whoever did the animation is a genius, brilliant visuals.
-Voice acting performances were great.
-Dealt with serious issues in a great manner for kids to understand better. I always appreciate kids movies or shows that don't treat their children audiences like they're idiots, but give children a chance to learn these serious topics on their level.
-Great characters, I feel in love with the characters in this movie.
The real major problems I had with this movie are 2 things:
-I didn't find any of the jokes to hit home.
-It felt like the plot was all over the place. They introduced so many potential plot points that had no real implications on the story. If a certain event doesn't further your story, then it should be cut out.
A little dark, so right up our alley!
akiraer23 April 2020
Sad Childhood Of 4 Siblings
vivianla14 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
There are 4 siblings with horrible parents - they do not care about their kids' "childish needs". The kids go hungry and do not have enough warm clothes.
The parents do not know where their kids keep coming from which is so funny. The mom exclaims how they keep coming.
The oldest son assumes that orphan care is the dream life to have - which we learn is not true.
The daughter takes in a baby left in front of their home and the oldest names the baby Ruth. They leave this baby in the care of a man who has a candy factory.
They created a fake brochure and gave it to their parents who fell for their plan. The kids assumed their parents would die in some way by travelling out in the dangerous world.
The parents hire a cheap nanny who actually is a very friendly and caring woman.
The supposed ending was very sad - the children go to rescue their parents on the Alps by warming them up to unfreeze them. The parents question their treatment to their kids but brush the thoughts aside, skipping to their transportation.
The kids are left stranded on the Alps and they huddle together while the girl sings a sad but beautiful song. It is assumed they are dying but the cute narrator who is a cat tells us the story cannot end like this.
Nanny and candy man comes back to rescue them and they go home to become a family with the baby Ruth.
Alessia Cara's voice is absolutely amazing and beautiful - she voices Jane and the song she sings for this film is soothing.
Probably NOT a film for the whole family.
planktonrules4 January 2021
Despite "The Willoughbys" being a CGI picture starring kids, do NOT go on the assumption that it's a great family picture. Now I am not saying it's bad...but I would never show this to younger viewers. Perhaps older kids and teens would enjoy it, but the film is simply too dark and traumatic for younger viewers. After all, the main themes of the film are the most neglectful, hateful and indifferent parents you could imagine, death and evil social workers!
When the story begins, you learn that Mr. Willoughby and Mrs. Willoughby are madly in love with each other. However, they are completely cold, hateful and indifferent towards their four kids. And, if they could just give them away or toss them into a compost bin, they would! It's so bad that the kids come up with a plan to orphan themselves. To do this, they send their parents on a trip around the world and they plan to just raise themselves. What's next? See the film....but it won't be all that pleasant.
While I kind of enjoyed this movie, it certainly was dark....the black hole of family entertainment! It's so dark that it seems like an even darker story than a Roald Dahl novel....it's THAT dark. As for the film quality, the CGI is decent though the frame rate seemed a bit slow. Worth seeing but dark, dark, dark.
When the story begins, you learn that Mr. Willoughby and Mrs. Willoughby are madly in love with each other. However, they are completely cold, hateful and indifferent towards their four kids. And, if they could just give them away or toss them into a compost bin, they would! It's so bad that the kids come up with a plan to orphan themselves. To do this, they send their parents on a trip around the world and they plan to just raise themselves. What's next? See the film....but it won't be all that pleasant.
While I kind of enjoyed this movie, it certainly was dark....the black hole of family entertainment! It's so dark that it seems like an even darker story than a Roald Dahl novel....it's THAT dark. As for the film quality, the CGI is decent though the frame rate seemed a bit slow. Worth seeing but dark, dark, dark.
Absolutely missed the essence of an incredibly witty book
kristinmilloway6 May 2020
The Willoughbys is one of our very favorite books. It's charming, witty, and clever. We've been anxiously waiting for the release of this movie.
Over half the family gave up in disgust after 25 minutes. The two of us who finished were not at all impressed. It's beautifully animated, but the storyline was completely butchered. None of the great lines from the book, no character well captured, the essence of the book completely lost.
We're utterly disappointed. But, we're under quarantine and there's plenty of time to read the book for the 15th, 16th? time. Do yourself a favor--skip this movie in favor of the 5 star book it's based on. :)
Over half the family gave up in disgust after 25 minutes. The two of us who finished were not at all impressed. It's beautifully animated, but the storyline was completely butchered. None of the great lines from the book, no character well captured, the essence of the book completely lost.
We're utterly disappointed. But, we're under quarantine and there's plenty of time to read the book for the 15th, 16th? time. Do yourself a favor--skip this movie in favor of the 5 star book it's based on. :)
Nice movie
diekirasz26 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I actually really enjoyed this, it did suck that Linda got treated poorly by Tim, but I'm glad there was a happy ending. Normally, you can really suspect what the ending would be like of a movie, but I really didn't know at some points through this movie. Original art style, and I feel like Linda really carried this show. I hope this movie gives orphans watching this a sense of hope. This felt like a pixar movie, I hope Netflix continues making these type of animated movies.
Family Feud.
Pjtaylor-96-13804410 May 2020
'The Willoughbys (2020)' is all about family, as most family comedies tend to be, but it centres on a set of siblings whose parents are totally against their existence (and, perhaps, using a condom). The flick is frustrating when it wants to be frustrating, quite boldly conveying childhood neglect and yet doing it in a cartoonishly over-the-top way. It's a decent enough romp when it gets going, which takes a tad longer than it should, and its almost stop-motion aesthetic - more so in style than in movement - is fun to look at, even if it isn't as distinct as it could've been. The film treads on familiar ground and, as such, is very predictable. It isn't all that funny but it's charming enough. One of its odder quirks is the choice to have Ricky Gervais dryly narrate, making meta comments along the way. Yet, for all its tonal inconsistency, this is perhaps the affair's most memorable aspect. Overall, the thing does what it needs to. It's entertaining and well-made, even if it doesn't quite stir all the emotions it intends to. 6/10
What the...!?
jgenschorek11 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
It may look pretty, but this movie is abusive and mean-spirited.
If anything, I'd think this movie probably just terrifies and confuses children who need help escaping abusive living situations into remaining silent.
What is the message..."If your parents don't feed you, make sure you have a good new parent lined up before asking for help or you'll wind up in solitary confinement?"..."If your parents abuse you, deal with it yourself?". "Any adult you like more than your parents has automatic custody rights, so move in with them?"
Am I missing some messages here?
If anything, I'd think this movie probably just terrifies and confuses children who need help escaping abusive living situations into remaining silent.
What is the message..."If your parents don't feed you, make sure you have a good new parent lined up before asking for help or you'll wind up in solitary confinement?"..."If your parents abuse you, deal with it yourself?". "Any adult you like more than your parents has automatic custody rights, so move in with them?"
Am I missing some messages here?
Really sick
Gordon-1120 May 2020
Honestly I am appalled by this animation. It may look all cute and fun, but the message is horrid. The kids have to beg the abusive parents to come back, and even say that the parents don't have to love them? This is really sick.
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