Okay, I know I’ve used this loophole a couple of times now. I watch a movie that I can’t feature because the director doesn’t meet the criteria I’ve set out for myself in this challenge. But I still want to talk about the movie, so I feature the end credits song and end up talking about the movie anyway. Is this technically cheating? Maybe. But my rules for this challenge are entirely self-imposed, so I figure I can bend them slightly if I want to. Which is exactly what I’m doing with “On My Way” by Alex Lahey. An exceedingly fun pop song that just so happens to run over the end credits of the extraordinary movie The Mitchells vs. The Machines. Haven’t seen The Mitchells vs. The Machines? You absolutely should. Everyone should see this movie.
Honestly, I’m not entirely sure how this marvel of a movie isn’t more of a cultural phenomenon. The Mitchells vs. The Machines is about a family road trip that gets interrupted by the robot apocalypse. And if you’re wondering just exactly how that premise makes for a good animated family movie, you’re not alone. I was skeptical as well. But the mountains of rave reviews it received convinced me to give it a chance. Now, it’s probably one of my favourite movies. Period.
The Mitchells vs. The Machines is hilarious, heartwarming, and socially on point. It tells a beautiful and nuanced story about the complexity of family relationships, all punctuated by brilliant action sequences and some pretty astute commentary on technology’s hold over our lives. And the entire story is centred around a queer character; a teenaged girl whose sexuality somehow manages to be both the essence of her character and completely inconsequential to the chaos going on around her. It’s a stunning storytelling achievement and I cannot overstate how much I love this movie. Everyone should go watch it right now. And listen to “On My Way” by Alex Lahey.
Suggestions for artists I should check out? Please contact me with your ideas. I hope you enjoyed your daily helping of art!
