Ron's Gone Wrong

Ron's Gone Wrong is a 2021 computer-animated science fiction comedy film directed by Sarah Smith and Jean-Philippe Vine (in his feature directorial debut), co-directed by Octavio E. Rodriguez and written by Peter Baynham and Smith.[5] The film features the voices of Zach Galifianakis, Jack Dylan Grazer, Ed Helms, Justice Smith, Rob Delaney, Kylie Cantrall, Ricardo Hurtado, and Olivia Colman. It is the first film from Locksmith Animation. The animation was provided by DNEG.

Ron's Gone Wrong
Theatrical release poster
Directed by
Written by
Produced by
Starring
Cinematography
  • David Peers
  • Hayley White
Edited byDavid Burrows[1]
Music byHenry Jackman
Production
companies
Distributed by20th Century Studios (through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Release date
  • October 9, 2021 (2021-10-09) (BFI London Film Festival)
  • October 15, 2021 (2021-10-15) (United Kingdom)
  • October 22, 2021 (2021-10-22) (United States)
Running time
106 minutes[2]
Countries
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$60.2 million[3][4]

Ron's Gone Wrong had its world premiere at the 2021 BFI London Film Festival on October 9, 2021, and was theatrically released in the United Kingdom on October 15 and in the United States on October 22, 2021 in limited 3D release at AMC and Regal theaters, by 20th Century Studios[lower-alpha 1], serving as the studio's first animated film to release since the closure of Blue Sky Studios on April 10, 2021, as well as the first animated film to be released under the 20th Century Studios name. The film has grossed $60.2 million worldwide and received generally positive reviews from critics.

Plot

In the future, tech giant Bubble unveils their latest creation: the B-bot, created by benevolent CEO Marc Weidell, with the intent to make a robot buddy that is designed to help make friends, using Marc's friendship algorithm installed in every B-Bot. In the town of Nonsuch, Barney Pudowski is the only middle schooler who does not own a B-bot. His former childhood friends, Savannah, Rich, Noah and Ava have all become absorbed by their individual B-bots. Barney's father Graham, who sells novelties online, and his grandmother Donka come to realize that he does not have any friends and empathize when Rich plays a cruel prank on Barney. They hastily go to a Bubble store, but it's closed. Fortunately, a delivery driver had been holding onto a slightly damaged B-bot that had fallen out of his truck and sells it to them.

Barney gets the B-bot as a late birthday present, but upon activating it, quickly learns that it's defective and glitchy. Not wanting to upset his father, he decides to take it back to the Bubble store to get it fixed. He ends up running into Rich and his friends, who taunt and try to humiliate him. The B-bot begins to fight back, as his safety functions have been turned off, and he and Barney laugh together and run. However, Rich called the police and they along with Graham and Donka are taken to the Bubble store so that the B-bot can be crushed. Not wanting to see him go, Barney secretly rescues him and names him Ron, a shortened version of his model number.

When Barney and Ron's actions are reported, Marc is happy to see Ron go against his programming, while his COO Andrew Morris views it as bad publicity, believing Ron must be destroyed for the issue to be resolved. Barney teaches Ron how to be a good friend and, while hanging out, runs into Savannah who tells Ron that he needs to help Barney get friends. Despite Barney telling Savannah not to, she posts Ron's actions online, alerting Bubble. The next day, Ron gets out of the house and tries to get "friends" for Barney, bringing a series of random people to school. As Barney gets in trouble, Rich discovers Ron's unlocked function and downloads it, causing all the other B-bots to have their safety features and parental controls turned off. The B-bots run wild and, in the end, after the B-Bots have a patch update, Savannah is publicly humiliated.

Barney is suspended from school and tells Ron off, but upon returning home, realizes that Ron was truly being a friend and decides to run away with him when Bubble employees come for him. They briefly run into Savannah, still upset over her incident, and tells her that he is hiding in the woods. Meanwhile, while Andrew warns Marc about the ramifications of the B-bot, Marc sneaks away so that he can meet Ron while Bubble uses their resources to take control of all the B-bots to go looking for Ron and Barney in the woods. Due to the cold weather and Barney's asthma, he becomes weak and Ron brings him back to civilization just outside the school where Savannah, Rich, Noah and Ava rush out to help him.

Barney is taken to the hospital and recuperates before meeting Marc, who is impressed with Ron. Marc fixes Ron's glitches and thereby makes him a different B-bot. Barney demands that Marc access the cloud to get Ron's original personality, but Andrew took over the company and locked Marc out. Through an elaborate plan for Barney, Graham, Donka, and Marc breaking into Bubble HQ, Barney manages to make it to the Bubble database, finds Ron's original data by his light, and uploads him back into his body, restoring him back to his original code. Seeing that Bubble has direct access to everyone's B-bot, and realizing that everyone is just as lonely as he was, Barney suggests upgrading all the B-bots to have Ron's flaws. However, this means that Ron will be dispersed. Barney reluctantly says goodbye to Ron as his programming is spread to everyone, mixing Marc's friendship algorithm with Ron's code. Marc blackmails Andrew into giving his position of CEO back after secretly recording him admitting that the B-bots spy on their owners for profit.

Three months later, everyone has a faulty B-bot, but are happy with their wild and weird personalities. Barney no longer has one, but has become much more sociable and has gotten close with his former friends. As they hang out at the "Barney Bench" at recess, a giant Bubble tower that overlooks Nonsuch produces Ron's face, implying that he is still alive.

Voice cast
  • Jack Dylan Grazer as Barney Pudowski, a socially awkward and lonesome middle-schooler with whom Savannah shares a friendship.
  • Zach Galifianakis as Ron, Barney's malfunctioning B-bot.
  • Ed Helms as Graham Pudowski, Barney's father.
  • Olivia Colman as Donka Pudowski, Barney's paternal grandmother.
  • Rob Delaney as Andrew Morris, the COO of the Bubble company.
  • Justice Smith as Marc Weidell, the creator of the B-bot and CEO of the Bubble company.
  • Kylie Cantrall as Savannah Meades, Barney's classmate who is an aspiring vlogger.
  • Ricardo Hurtado as Rich Belcher, Barney's classmate who continually pranks people in hopes of becoming famous.
  • Cullen McCarthy as Noah, Barney's classmate who loves video games.
  • Ava Morse as Ava, Barney's classmate who loves science.
  • Marcus Scribner as Alex, one of Rich's cronies.
  • Thomas Barbusca as Jayden, one of Rich's cronies.[6]
  • Liam Payne as Bob, a B-Bot who got kicked by Andrew.
  • Ruby Wax as Ms. Hartley, Barney's teacher who tries to help him make friends.
  • Flula Borg, Sarah Smith and Jadon Sand as Additional Voices

Production

In September 2017, Locksmith formed a multi-year production deal with 20th Century Fox, which would distribute Locksmith's films under the 20th Century Fox Animation label, with Locksmith aiming to release a film every 12–18 months.[7][8] On October 12, 2017, it was announced that the first film from Locksmith Animation would be Ron's Gone Wrong. Alessandro Carloni and Jean-Phillipe Vine would serve as the film's co-directors, while Peter Baynham and Locksmith co-founder Sarah Smith would write the screenplay. DNEG was on board as a digital production partner.[9] Baynham and Elisabeth Murdoch were named executive producers on the same day.[1]

Animation and voice acting have been done remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.[10][11][12]

Music

The film's original score was composed by British composer Henry Jackman.[13] On August 19, 2021, it was announced that Liam Payne had made an original song, titled "Sunshine" for the film. The song was officially released on August 27, 2021. The film's soundtrack will be available on Walt Disney Records, making this the first 20th Century Studios film to have its soundtrack released through the label.

Release

Theatrical and marketing

Baynham added that DNEG provided great timing to Ron's animated performance with such a simple face. "And there were debates throughout this: ‘how do you make that not cutesy but not boring?,'" he said. "And he doesn’t have a face that you can do all the classic things with, but somehow he does...like the way his eye might slip a little bit...that speaks to his simple clownishness. He's a very simple character, but also he's incredibly sophisticated." But for Smith, the challenge was: "How do we, as parents, as children, as kids growing up in a world in which this is all they’ve ever known, how do we learn to live with the tech?"[14]

Bill Desowitz

In October 2017, the film was scheduled for release on November 6, 2020.[15] In November 2019, the film was moved to February 26, 2021.[16] In May 2020, the film was moved to April 23, 2021, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.[17][18] On January 22, 2021, the film was then delayed further to October 22, 2021 in RealD 3D.[19] The film also had its world premiere at the 2021 BFI London Film Festival on October 9, 2021.[20][2] That same day the film played during the 36th Guadalajara International Film Festival.[20] The film also held a special surprise screening at the El Capitan Theatre on its day of release, October 22.[21] The film played exclusively in theaters for 45 days before heading to digital platforms.[22]

It is the only Locksmith film distributed by 20th Century Studios (through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures) as distribution of future Locksmith Animation films will be handled by Warner Bros. Pictures, following a multi-year production deal with the studio in 2019.[23]

TOMY made a deal with Disney and Locksmith to develop toys based on the film, including plushies and action figures.[24]

Home media

The film was released on DVD, Blu-ray, & 4K Ultra HD on December 7, 2021 and on Digital on December 15, 2021 by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.[25] Special features to be Q&A with Jack and Zach calling "A Boy and His B*bot", Making Ron Right featurette and the music video of Sunshine by British singer-songwriter Liam Payne.

The film will be available for streaming on HBO Max and Disney+ on December 15, after Disney reached a deal with WarnerMedia for a majority of the upcoming films from 20th Century Studios to be streamed collaboratively between Disney+, HBO Max, and Hulu until HBO's deal with 20th Century, signed before Disney's acquisition of the company in 2013, runs out at the end of 2022. The movie will also make its American television premiere on HBO the following Saturday, December 18.[26]

Reception

Box office

As of December 14, 2021, Ron's Gone Wrong has grossed $23 million in the United States and Canada, and $37.3 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $60.2 million.[3][4]

In the United States and Canada, Ron's Gone Wrong was released alongside Dune, and was projected to gross around $10 million from 3,065 theaters in its opening weekend.[27] The film made $2.3 million on its first day, including $260,000 from Thursday night previews. It went on to debut in fifth place with $7.3 million. On its second weekend the film fell 48% and made $3.7 million.[28]

In the United Kingdom the film grossed £868,053 on the opening weekend of October 15–17. The next weekend it grossed £562,540. The next weekend it grossed £609,119. The next weekend it grossed £268,801 and fell down by 56%. The next weekend it grossed £276,666 but it jumped to 8th place. The next weekend it went down to 9th place and grossed £182,390. The next weekend it went out of the top 15, fell down by 71% and grossed £53,882. The next weekend it grossed £21,860. The next weekend it grossed £10,407.

Critical response

On review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 80% with 'Certified Fresh' rating based on 94 reviews, with an average rating of 6.60/10. The critical consensus reads: "It isn't the first animated film to confront technology creep, but in terms of striking an entertaining balance between humor and heart, Ron's Gone Wrong gets it right."[29] On Metacritic, the film has a score of 65 out of 100, based on 23 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[30] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale.[28]

References
  1. Ritman, Alex (October 12, 2017). "Fox, Locksmith Animation Unveil 'Ron's Gone Wrong'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  2. "BFI Lond Film Festival". Whatson.bfi.org.uk. Retrieved September 7, 2021.
  3. "Ron's Gone Wrong (2021)". The Numbers. Nash Information Services, LLC. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
  4. "Ron's Gone Wrong (2021)". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
  5. Milligan, Mercedes (January 26, 2021). "Exclusive: Locksmith & 20th Century Debut 'Ron's Gone Wrong' Imagery". Animation Magazine. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  6. Nick Romano. "Zach Galifianakis is the best malfunctioning robot pal in first Ron's Gone Wrong trailer". Entertainment Weekly.
  7. Lang, Brent (September 20, 2017). "Fox, Locksmith Animation Ink Multi-Year Production, Development Deal (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety Magazine. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  8. Amidi, Amid (September 20, 2017). "UK's Locksmith Animation Announces Production Agreement with 20th Century Fox". Cartoon Brew. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  9. N'Duka, Amanda (October 12, 2017). "20th Century Fox & Locksmith Animation Slate 'Ron's Gone Wrong' As First Project". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  10. Louise Dixon. "London animation studio adapts to finish Disney film". JournalStar.com. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  11. Zahed, Ramin (April 20, 2020). "COVID-19 Chronicles: Locksmith Animation Zooms with Creative Touch". Animation Magazine. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  12. "Spotlight On...Locksmith Animation: 250 crew working from home to produce their first feature". Animation UK. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  13. "Henry Jackman Scoring Locksmith Animation's 'Ron's Gone Wrong'". filmmusicreporter.com. February 9, 2021. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  14. Bill Desowitz (September 9, 2021). "'Ron's Gone Wrong' Trailer: Animating Tech Frustration and a Defective Robot with an All-Star Cast". Indiewire.
  15. D'Alessandro, Anthony (October 12, 2017). "'Gambit' Starring Channing Tatum Will Open Valentine's Day 2019". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
  16. Franklin, Garth (November 15, 2019). "Disney Sets Five MCU Films, Delays Others". Dark Horizons. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  17. D'Alessandro, Anthony (May 13, 2020). "Disney Reschedules 'The New Mutants' & 'Ron's Gone Wrong'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 14, 2020.
  18. "'Ron's Gone Wrong' Trailer: Animating Tech Frustration and a Defective Robot with an All-Star Cast". indiewire.com. September 9, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  19. "Bob's Burgers Movie, The King's Man Get Disney Film Delays". IGN. January 22, 2021. Retrieved January 22, 2021.
  20. Grater, Tom (September 7, 2021). "London Film Festival Chief Talks Mask-Wearing In Cinemas, How Many Filmmakers Will Attend & Landing 'Succession' S3 Premiere". Deadline. Retrieved September 7, 2021.
  21. Mike Celestino (October 22, 2021). "Event Recap: "Ron's Gone Wrong" Opening Night Fan Event at Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre". Laughingplace.com.
  22. Vary, Adam B.; Saperstein, Pat (September 10, 2021). "Disney Releasing 'Eternals,' 'Encanto' Exclusively in Theaters". Variety. Archived from the original on September 10, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  23. Clarke, Stewart (October 31, 2019). "Warner Signs Multi-Picture Deal With Elisabeth Murdoch's Locksmith Animation". Variety. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
  24. "TOMY Awarded Master Toy License for Upcoming Animated Film Ron's Gone Wrong from Disney and Locksmith Animation". ANB Media. October 16, 2020. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  25. Milligan, Mercedes (November 17, 2021). "'Ron's Gone Wrong' Brings High-Tech Buddy Adventure Home in December". Animationmagazine.net. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
  26. Spangler, Todd; Spangler, Todd (November 22, 2021). "Disney, WarnerMedia Carve Up Fox Film Slate Streaming Rights Through End of 2022 (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety.com. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
  27. Nancy Tartaglione; Anthony D'Alessandro (October 20, 2021). "'Dune' Looks To Make A Difference In Theaters & HBO Max With $70M+ Global Weekend". Deadline. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  28. Anthony D'Alessandro (October 24, 2021). "'Dune' Domestic Opening Is Best For Warner Bros HBO Max Day/Date Title & Denis Villeneuve". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  29. "Ron's Gone Wrong". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
  30. "Ron's Gone Wrong Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  1. (through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
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