I Am Groot.
It’s a loaded statement, I know, hyperbolic even. Sorry, couldn’t resist the easy joke with this series, I’ll torture you no further.
I Am Groot is one of those Disney+ specialties – a quick, easy romp through an existing franchise/IP/universe (whatever you prefer). For adults, the series is a great palette cleanser from the mind-numbing amount of prestige television on the calendar right now. For kids, it’s a silly, giggle-inducing adventure with literally the cutest thing in Marvel and maybe the most adorable amongst Disney’s cavalcade of characters.
The “series” is, in reality, five short films which you have to watch individually, much like the Pixar short series Forky Asks a Question. However, unlike Forky, I Am Groot feels more like an updated version of the classic Disney shorts you’d see on “Lonesome Ghosts” or “Pluto’s Christmas Tree.” The dialogue is scant, but the humor and heart of the shorts come from the physical comedy that arrives from the situations the main character finds itself in.
This is exactly what this series needed to be and all credit deserves to be heaped upon writer/director/New Jersey native Kristen Lepore. Lepore does a phenomenal job of not only making sure the art and effects in the series are movie quality, but she keeps the storylines simple, classic, and fun – just like those timeless, aforementioned Disney classics. Everything in I Am Groot is light, playful, and charming. It’s the perfect quick-watch that parents and children alike will get a good chuckle out of.
As a head’s up, I Am Groot has no grander connection to the canon of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There is a cameo from one Guardian of the Galaxy in one of the films, but otherwise, this short film series has no deep, intrinsic link to Kevin Feige’s grand vision of Marvel.
This could result in a very divisive viewing experience for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. For some, the lack of being hyper-focused on every detail and how it could connect to storylines and characters from the past, present, and future of the greater Marvel comic book and the cinematic universe could be a huge relief. There’s no pressure with this series of shorts. You can enjoy it for what it is: a fun romp with a cute character you’ve come to know and love.
Yet, if you’re locked into where Phase 4, 5, and 6 of the MCU are headed, this might not exactly be appointment viewing. There’s no pressing need for you to dive head first in the series, especially if you’re getting ready for She-Hulk‘s premiere. However, even if this is the case, yours truly doesn’t feel you should ignore I Am Groot, as it’s still a fun series.
I Am Groot is a wonderful diversion from the grind of the everyday, and most importantly, the (earned and justifiable) heaviness of the current phase of the MCU. To sum up the series in one phrase: I Am Groot (sorry, had to be done).
