Robots proud to show what they're made of

You take your daughter to the mall for some back-to-school shopping. Embarrassed by her rapidly growing feet, she grimaces as she tries to cram her feet into loafers two sizes too small. You try to tell her that she's perfect the way she is, but you might as well put your foot in your mouth.

Being outside the norm can make your kids feel self-conscious. The movie Robots, released on home video September 27, shows why confidence is a critical tool. After watching the film, use our questions below for a family chat about the nuts and bolts of being happy the way you are. Then make our “Heavy Metal Hats” to celebrate everyone's uniqueness!

Robots follows the story of Rodney Copperfield (voice of Ewan McGregor), a robot assembled from hand-me-down parts, who's in search of his dream. Armed with his passion for inventing, Rodney leaves Robot City in hopes of meeting his hero, the legendary inventor Bigweld (voice of Mel Brooks).

When Rodney arrives in Robot City , he's horrified to hear that Ratchet (voice of Greg Kinnear) has taken over for the big-hearted Bigweld. With the slogan “Why be you, when you can be new?” devious Ratchet decides Bigweld Industries will no longer manufacture replacement parts to fix old robots, forcing all Outmodes to buy unnecessary new upgrades. Robots that can't afford the upgrades will be sent to the infamous Chop Shop.

Rodney and his misfit mechanical friends must find a way to bring back Bigweld before they are reduced to scrap metal.

Talk Together

Rodney was often embarrassed by his hand-me-down parts, including some from a female cousin. Think of a situation when you've been self-conscious. Maybe you lip-sync during choir because you're afraid you can't carry a tune. Share some strategies of how you've been able to overcome insecurities.

The robots realized that it wasn't just their parts that made up their personalities. Rodney's talent for inventing drove him to save the robots' futures. Take turns sharing something you love about each other that is not replaceable—from your son's knack for making nachos to your daughter's ability to always look on the bright side.

Nasty Ratchet tried to make the Outmodes feel unconfident so they would upgrade to new parts. Has there ever been a time when someone tried to make you change, but you decided it was better to stay as you are?

Play Together: Heavy Metal Hats

Put on this hard-wear whenever you need a confidence boost.

You will need:
• Old baseball cap or visor
• Various pieces of hardware
• Spray paint
• Craft wire
• Pencils
• Glue

Raid the family toolbox or take a quick trip to the hardware store to find various gadgets for your Heavy Metal Hat. An assortment of nuts, bolts, and washers work well.

Have fun painting the parts. While they dry, wrap craft wire around pencils to make tight coils. Slide coils off the end of the pencil and paint these to your liking. Glue the dried gadgets and coils to the cap or visor.

Compliment one another on how each other's Heavy Metal Hat stands apart from the rest. Then, the next time you second-guess yourself, put on this tool-time topper. It will remind you that just like Rodney, you can accept yourself on the inside and outside—squeaky parts and all.

copyright © 2005 Cinematters