Spare Parts
Spare Parts

Movie spotlight

Spare Parts

2015
Movie
115 min
English

With the help of their high school's newest teacher, four Hispanic students form a robotics club. Although they have no experience, the youths set their sights on a national robotics contest. With $800 and parts scavenged from old cars, they build a robot and compete against reigning champion MIT. Along the way, the students learn not only how to build a robot but something far more important: how to forge bonds that will last a lifetime.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes30%
Metacritic44/100
Google Users77%
Director: Sean McNamaraGenres: Drama, Family

Plot Summary

Four undocumented high school students in Phoenix, Arizona, form a robotics club to compete in a national competition. Facing numerous obstacles, including a lack of resources and their immigration status, they must rely on their ingenuity and determination to succeed. The film follows their journey as they overcome personal challenges and societal prejudices to achieve their dreams.

Critical Reception

Spare Parts received mixed reviews from critics but was generally praised for its inspirational story and performances, particularly from George Lopez and Jamie Lee Curtis. Audience reception was more favorable, with many appreciating the film's uplifting message and its focus on STEM education.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its uplifting and inspirational true story about overcoming adversity.

  • Appreciated for its positive message regarding education and perseverance.

  • Criticized by some for a formulaic narrative and predictable plot points.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's heartwarming story and the message of hope and determination. Many found it to be a family-friendly movie with strong performances, particularly highlighting the themes of education and chasing dreams against the odds.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the true story of the 'Guaos' (Guerreros de Agua Caliente), a high school robotics team from Carl Hayden High School in Phoenix, Arizona, who won the 2004 First Robotics Competition in their division despite facing significant challenges.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
Alunauwie

Alunauwie

Spare Parts, based on the Wired article La Vida Robot, tells the inspiring true story of four Latino high school students who beat MIT in a national robotics competition. Though dramatized in parts, the film captures the heart of perseveran...

Reno

Reno

> From nothing to something! If you are wondering this is a B movie, I would say yes, but no. Because I have seen some of this director's movies and he gives the best in this category. Not so popular, small budget, low production quality...