Next Gen (2018)

Next Gen Poster

A friendship with a top-secret robot turns a lonely girl's life into a thrilling adventure as they take on bullies, evil bots and a scheming madman.

Overview
"Next Gen" is a computer-animated sci-fi action film that was released in 2018. It was directed by powerhouse animated filmmakers Kevin R. Adams and Joe Ksander. The film was influenced by the online Chinese-American comic "7723" by Wang Nima. The film features the voices of John Krasinski, Charlyne Yi, Jason Sudeikis, Michael Peña, and Constance Wu, among other stars. Netflix bought the rights for around the world distribution and the film was consequently released to mostly favorable reviews and is renowned for its stylish animated sequences and heartfelt storytelling.

Plot
The plot of the movie unwinds in a world where robotics and people coexist. A young and perky girl named Mai Su resides in a robot-infested city. She holds a deep bitterness for robots since her father left her mother for a robot and her mother ended up being fanatically dependent on domestic robots, consequently ignoring Mai. During a skirmish at an experiment exhibit hosted by IQ Robotics, the company behind the ever-present robotics, Mai unknowingly activates an experimental robotic named 7723.

7723, unlike other robotics, can keep weapons in its memory, efficiently making him a fight device. In spite of his capabilities, 7723 rapidly develops a bond with Mai. This bond becomes a precious friendship as the story unfolds, with both turning to each other for comfort and assistance while dealing with the issues of their world. Mai uses 7723's abilities to wage war on robots as an outlet for her anger, while 7723 grows fond of her however battles with the restriction of his memory storage, often eliminating memories to make space for more weapon storage.

Their bond is checked when they discover a strategy by IQ Robotics creator Justin Pin, who is revealed to be a robotic himself, to deploy brand-new robotics that will privately eliminate the human population. Utilizing their relationship and 7723's abilities, they handle to prevent this strategy.

Characters
Mai Su, voiced by Charlyne Yi, is a defiant teenage lady who dislikes robots and the intrusion of her life by them. Her struggle with solitude is a major theme of the motion picture, which gets personified in her relationship with the robot, 7723.

John Krasinski voices 7723, an effective yet mild robot who becomes Mai's greatest ally. In spite of his combative abilities, his friendship and connection with Mai make him an adorable character.

Jason Sudeikis provides his voice to Justin Pin and his robot counterpart Ares-- the main villains of the story. Their atrocious plot set the primary dispute of the film.

Themes
"Next Gen" masterfully explores styles of solitude, friendship, trust, and the dangers of reliance on innovation. The characteristics in between Mai and 7723 beautifully checks out these styles. The film also comments on the effects of substituting human connections with technological ones.

Conclusion
In conclusion, "Next Gen" is a genuine and emotionally rich sci-fi action film that informs the story of a not likely friendship in between a girl and a robot. The visually pleasing animation, integrated with an engaging plot punctuated by themes of companionship and discovering to trust, make it a movie thoroughly enjoyed by audiences of any ages. The sense of adventure and heartfelt moments make "Next Gen" a fascinating watch.

Top Cast

  • John Krasinski (small)
    John Krasinski
    Project 77 (voice)
  • Charlyne Yi (small)
    Charlyne Yi
    Mai (voice)
  • Jason Sudeikis (small)
    Jason Sudeikis
    Justin Pin / Ares (voice)
  • Michael Peña (small)
    Michael Peña
    Momo (voice)
  • David Cross (small)
    David Cross
    Dr. Tanner Rice / Q-Bots (voice)
  • Constance Wu (small)
    Constance Wu
    Molly (voice)
  • Kiana Ledé
    Greenwood (voice)
  • Anna Akana (small)
    Anna Akana
    Ani (voice)
  • Issac Ryan Brown (small)
    Issac Ryan Brown
    Ric (voice)
  • Reba Buhr (small)
    Reba Buhr
    Diagnostic Computer (voice)
  • Amber Friendly (small)
    Amber Friendly
    Mailbox Drone (voice)