Meet Arco: The Animated Adventure You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you’ve been wandering around the cinema like a lost puppy, you might’ve stumbled upon Arco, the animated flick that’s stealing the spotlight. Backed by NEON and showered with nominations galore, including a coveted spot at the Oscars, it features two quirky kids embarking on a wild quest that, spoiler alert, teaches them life lessons. And trust me, there are some well-known Marvel voices lurking in the adult characters and a trio of hapless villains voiced by comedians that you’ll recognize quicker than your grandma’s secret cookie recipe!

Soaring Beyond Ordinary

This French gem, winging its way to North America courtesy of NEON, thrusts you into the colorful life of Arco (voiced by Juliano Krue Valdi in the delightful English dub). Set in the whimsical year of 2932, our young hero longs to soar through time just like the rest of his fam. But, alas, the government says, “Not so fast, buddy!” And why? Well, let’s just say his inaugural test flight in a rainbow suit proves why rules exist as he rockets through time to 2075, where he bumps into Iris (the charming Romy Fay). As they go on the hunt for a diamond that’ll help him time-travel again, our dynamic duo finds themselves on the lam from three kooky guys (yeah, they’re voiced by the likes of Will Ferrell, Andy Samberg, and Flea—talk about a crazy cast!).

A Visual Feast for the Eyes

Director Ugo Bienvenu spins an enchanting tale with visuals that shout Studio Ghibli vibes. Picture this: breathtaking animation, whimsical flying scenes, and wide-eyed wonder just like My Neighbor Totoro. The artistic style might remind one of an artist’s sketchbook with shimmering landscapes that might feel familiar if you’ve dipped your toes into Asian animation.

But hold the phone! Instead of the usual European steampunk flair, Arco brings in a retro-futuristic design that screams 60s, 70s, and 80s vibes. The flight gear on Arco and his relatives might just evoke memories of funky outfits from Beneath the Planet of the Apes. And don’t get me started on the pointy glasses worn by the pursuers; they look like a nod to the wacky eyewear seen in the original Star Trek: The Next Generation or the time-hopping antics in Back to the Future Part II.

Portraying Today’s Reality

Once you settle in, Arco morphs into something remarkably relatable. Iris’s neighborhood seems like a slice of paradise with trees lining her path to school, a place so safe she can roam free without a parent shadowing her. But here’s the twist—the adults seem MIA. Instead of spending quality time, most are off working, leaving Iris and her brother in the robotic care of their miniature K-2SO-like helper, Mikki. It’s a peculiar world where parents communicate through holograms and robots while juggling busy work lives, creating a reflection of our own technology-filled existence.

But don’t fret! Arco makes it clear that even though the adults are busy hustling, they genuinely care for their little ones, manifesting their love through whatever tech they can muster up. Still, you can’t help but feel a pang of concern when Iris and her brother find themselves gated behind glass towers for protection in the movie’s nail-biting climax!

A Refreshingly Unique Family Film

What sets Arco apart is how it sidesteps the traditional “parents need to do better” trope. It doesn’t wrap everything in a neat little bow, making it clear that parenting comes with its own set of challenges. Instead, it centers on Iris and Arco as they navigate their own lessons—with stakes that resonate deeply. The film’s closing act will pull on your heartstrings, reminiscent of the emotional punches from classics like The NeverEnding Story or Time Bandits.

However, fear not, it’s not all doom and gloom! The latter portion of Arco maintains a strong thread of humanity, prompting empathy and a glimmer of hope among its young audience. At the end of the day, it encourages viewers—whether young or young-at-heart—to strive for a brighter tomorrow. Seriously, a film this rich and wonderful is hard to come by!

Catch Arco in Theaters Now!

If you haven’t experienced this delightful journey yet, make sure to catch Arco playing in theaters all across the U.S. Grab your popcorn, sit back, and prepare for an adventure that’s anything but ordinary!