More Than Robots is a fantastic documentary that showcases the power of STEM, and why it is so important for kids. Plus, awesome robots!
As someone who is not usually a fan of documentaries, More Than Robots intrigued me because of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) aspect, and not to mention I really love robots. Having two very creative daughters of my own, there is something about watching kids express their creativity that makes my heart sing.
More Than Robots follows several teens from Los Angeles, Mexico City and Chiba, Japan as they build robots to compete in the 2020 FIRST® Robotics Competition. Each team has their own unique design, and it is very interesting to see the different routes they go to accomplish the same goals. Toward the end of the documentary though, things change as the pandemic hits in early 2020. But the kids don’t give up, and even though the event is canceled, they use the things they learned to help others, which is extremely inspiring.
Speaking of inspiring, this whole film is perfect to share with children who are interested in robotics, as well as other Sciences. My daughters are 9 and 10 but they love this sort of thing, and when watching along with me they started to plan how they would create a robot to accomplish the same tasks.
This documentary really engages the audience because it gives us time to get to know all of the kids, allowing viewers to connect with each and every one of them. It is easy to start to root for them all, and it becomes a lot of fun to watch and see what they come up with. One of the best parts is seeing their faces when Mark Hamill appears on screen to discuss the challenge with them. As a Star Wars fan myself, I can’t say I blame them.
For those who don’t already know the importance of STEM, More Than Robots will show it to them. Not only does it encourage these kids to use their brains, and look away from screens every now and then, but they create a camaraderie with other kids that is sure to last a lifetime.
When the season was canceled, my heart immediately broke for these children. But to see them persevere through it all is motivating, and made me realize just how much we can all do for others. They used their knowledge to help build things like ventilators — how cool is that? The way these robotics teams stepped up to help the world is truly inspiring, and gives me hope for the future generations.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Director Gillian Jacobs Interview
Check out this interview with Director Gillian Jacobs about these inspiring kids, the importance of STEM, and so much more!
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About More Than Robots
“More Than Robots” follows four teams of teenagers from around the world as they prepare for the 2020 FIRST® Robotics Competition. Get to know teams from Los Angeles, Mexico City and Chiba, Japan as they work towards the goal of taking their unique designs all the way to the highly competitive global championships. Although they are faced with overcoming challenges along the way, such as having limited resources within their community or putting everything on hold because of a world-wide pandemic, the kids persevere and learn that there is a lot more to the competition than just robots.
“More Than Robots” is directed by Gillian Jacobs in her feature-length documentary directorial debut. Award-winning Supper Club founders Jason Sterman, Brian McGinn, and David Gelb are the producers. Lucasfilm’s Michael Garcia and Christine Beebe serve as executive producers, with Jacqui Lopez as co-executive producer.
MORE THAN ROBOTS will premiere exclusively on Disney+ March 18, 2022.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.