The Willoughbys

About

The Willoughbys is a 2020 family comedy film directed by Kris Pearn and co-directed by Rob Lodermeier. The film is based on the children's book of the same name by Lois Lowry. It follows the adventures of the Willoughby siblings, who are determined to create a new family dynamic in order to escape their neglectful parents.

The plot centers around the four Willoughby children - Tim, Jane, Barnaby A, and Barnaby B - who come from a long line of extraordinarily unhappy ancestors. They live in a gloomy and old-fashioned house with their parents who dislike children and have no time for them. The children devise a plan to send their parents on a dangerous vacation so that they can experience love and care from a nanny. Along the way, they befriend a candy tycoon named Commander Melanoff, who helps them on their unconventional journey to find a new family.

Making / Production

The Willoughbys is a computer-animated film produced by Bron Animation and released by Netflix. The animation style is visually unique, combining traditional hand-drawn elements with computer-generated imagery. The film's production took place in Canada, with a team of talented artists and animators working on bringing the story to life.

Director Kris Pearn, who also co-wrote the screenplay, aimed to create a whimsical and quirky world that captures the essence of the original book. The film's animation style reflects the dark humor and visual style of Lois Lowry's illustrations, while still maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere.

Actors

• Will Forte as Tim Willoughby: the eldest Willoughby child who takes charge of the family.
• Maya Rudolph as Nanny: the kind-hearted nanny who cares for the Willoughby children.
• Alessia Cara as Jane Willoughby: Tim's younger sister who has a talent for singing.
• Terry Crews as Commander Melanoff: a friendly candy tycoon who befriends the Willoughby children.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Willoughbys is based on the book of the same name by Lois Lowry, which was first published in 2008.
• The film blends elements of dark comedy and adventure with a heartwarming message about the importance of family.
• Lois Lowry, the author of the original book, served as an executive producer on the film.

Awards

The Willoughbys has not won any major awards, but it has received positive reviews for its animation, voice acting, and storytelling.

Quotes

• "Family is always what you make it." - Tim Willoughby
• "I've got a plan that's going to change our lives." - Tim Willoughby

Music

The film features an original score composed by Mark Mothersbaugh. The music adds to the whimsical and adventurous tone of the story, enhancing the overall viewing experience for audiences of all ages.

Soundtrack

• "Right Where You Should Be" - Quinn XCII and Ashe
• "Endless" - Jesse Novak
• "I Choose" - Alessia Cara