Life’s a glitch for this adorable android
In a world where digital companions are the norm, “Ron’s Gone Wrong” serves as a humorous yet cautionary tale about the pitfalls of technology-dependent friendships. The story centres on Barney Pudowski, a socially awkward middle schooler who desperately wants a B-Bot, a high-tech robot designed to be the perfect friend. His wish is granted when his father and grandmother buy him one from the back of a truck. However, his new companion, Ron, is defective. This leads to a series of comical and heartfelt adventures as Barney teaches Ron what it means to be a true friend in a world obsessed with digital connections.
The film does a decent job of character development and humour, particularly through the dynamic duo of Barney and Ron. Jack Dylan Grazer and Zach Galifianakis bring warmth and hilarity to their roles, making their relationship the heart of the movie. The animation is vibrant and visually appealing, successfully drawing viewers into its slightly futuristic world. The design aesthetic clearly evokes the sleek, minimalist style of Apple products, enhancing the film’s commentary on technology’s role in our lives.
“Ron’s Gone Wrong” also tackles relevant social issues, such as the impact of social media on real-life friendships and the dangers of tech addiction. The film’s critique of tech giants and their influence on privacy and social interactions is both timely and thought-provoking. Many viewers appreciate the film’s ability to balance its comedic elements with these serious themes.
Interestingly, “Ron’s Gone Wrong” foreshadows the current emergence of ubiquitous AI infiltrating every aspect of everyday life. Just as Ron, the defective B-Bot, learns and adapts, AI technologies are increasingly becoming integral in our interactions and daily routines, adding another layer to the film’s exploration of the benefits and pitfalls of technological advancements and highlighting the delicate balance between reliance on technology and the need for genuine human connections.
Despite its relative strengths, “Ron’s Gone Wrong” does feel more than a little derivative. The film’s plot and themes are reminiscent of other animated movies like “Big Hero 6” and “The Mitchells vs. the Machines,” which also feature robot-human dynamics and explore similar themes of friendship and technology. This predictability can make the film feel less impactful compared to its more innovative counterparts while the movie’s moralising, while well-intentioned, can come off as heavy-handed. Some viewers may find the narrative’s simplicity in addressing complex issues like technology and privacy unsatisfactory and the film occasionally struggles to deliver a consistent message, sometimes oversimplifying the nuances of modern digital life.
Where its strongest is when the film embraces the value of non-conformity. Barney and Ron’s unique friendship stands as a testament to the importance of individuality in a world and a technological homogeneity that often incentivises conformity. This theme resonates strongly, reminding audiences that true connections and personal growth often come from embracing our differences rather than conforming to societal expectations and its sincere critique of digital dependency is as welcome as it is likely to be ignored by its target audience who may not even have looked up from their phones to register that they were watching a movie in the first place.
Overall, “Ron’s Gone Wrong” is perfectly charming film that offers both laughs and meaningful commentary on the digital age. Although it doesn’t break new ground, its endearing characters and relevant themes make it a worthwhile watch but much like the disposable technology it critiques, perhaps its most metatextual element is how quickly you’ll likely forget it once you walk out the cinema.
