Watch Kids' Reviews of
NICO & NICKEL

This is a charming short animated film by Sky O'Connell, a college student. Great visuals - interesting story line.

This short film follows a young boy, Nico, who is hit by a baseball while he's watching some other kids play. He is sent into the woods to retrieve the ball and gets more than he thought as he meets a giant robot there. Terrified, he begins to run away, stumbles and falls to the ground. The Iron Robot finds the ball and rolls it over to the kid and a new friendship seems to be in the works.

I am particularly impressed by the animation in this film. It is well made with flawless movement. The color palette is very subtle, just like the story. I love the facial expressions on Nico, especially his eyes. And, of course, the robot in the woods reminds me of one of my all time favorite films by Brad Bird, The Iron Giant. This robot is a much simpler version, but has good detailing. Note should be given to the composer because the background music is outstanding and, since most of the film is non-narrative, it plays a critical role in creating the right atmosphere for the story to take place. Nico's voice is perfect for his character. Nice work overall, particularly for a college student film, but it holds up among professional films as well.

The film's message is about developing friendships in the most unusual places.

I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

This is a charming short animated film by Sky O'Connell, a college student. Great visuals - interesting story line.

This short film follows a young boy, Nico, who is hit by a baseball while he's watching some other kids play. He is sent into the woods to retrieve the ball and gets more than he thought as he meets a giant robot there. Terrified, he begins to run away, stumbles and falls to the ground. The Iron Robot finds the ball and rolls it over to the kid and a new friendship seems to be in the works.

I am particularly impressed by the animation in this film. It is well made with flawless movement. The color palette is very subtle, just like the story. I love the facial expressions on Nico, especially his eyes. And, of course, the robot in the woods reminds me of one of my all time favorite films by Brad Bird, The Iron Giant. This robot is a much simpler version, but has good detailing. Note should be given to the composer because the background music is outstanding and, since most of the film is non-narrative, it plays a critical role in creating the right atmosphere for the story to take place. Nico's voice is perfect for his character. Nice work overall, particularly for a college student film, but it holds up among professional films as well.

The film's message is about developing friendships in the most unusual places.

I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

In an Iron Giant meets The Sandlot inspired world, a distracted child named Nico gets hit by a baseball and must venture into the woods alone to retrieve it. In this intimidating forest, Nico finds a strange robot named Nickel. Terrified, Nico runs away, but not everything is as it seems.