NOTE: This review is partially adapted from my reaction to The Wild Robot following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival] Crafting stakes is complicated territory for a film targeted at audiences of all ages.

CAST Voices of Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Catherine O’Hara RATED PG (some scary moments) LENGTH 1:42 WHERE Area theaters BOTTOM LINE An endearing adaptation of Peter Brown’s books, elevated by unusually appealing animation.

In the opening scenes of “The Wild Robot,” a chirpy metal android with a state-of-the-art processing unit wanders around a forest asking confused animals if it can help them, offering discount codes and stickers for future customers.

From its spectacular visuals to its talented cast of voice actors, "The Wild Robot" is thoroughly delightful on every level, writes our reviewer.

It's great news, then, that The Wild Robot delivers on its trailer's promise a thousandfold. Director Chris Sanders, known for Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon, has crafted a sweet (and yes, tear-jerking) tale of motherhood and connection, all backed up with some of DreamWorks' most stunning animation to date.

As a kid's movie, “The Wild Robot” succeeds. There’s not much to dislike here, only the promise of what could have been if the filmmakers had slowed down and trusted their audience.

The Oscar for Best Animated Feature is The Wild Robot ’s to lose. The film, from DreamWorks Animation, is a deeply moving, beautifully crafted example of what an animated movie can be when the medium is treated with reverence.