Spare Parts

Defying the odds, engineering a dream together.

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Synopsis

"Spare Parts" is a compelling drama centered on a group of high school students from an underprivileged background who enter an underwater robotics competition against the odds. Based on true events, the film showcases their relentless determination, ingenuity, and teamwork as they strive to build a functioning robot to compete against more well-funded teams. The students face numerous challenges, including limited resources, personal struggles, and skepticism from others, yet their perseverance ultimately highlights themes of empowerment, education, and the transformative impact of technology. Julian Richings delivers a notable performance, enriching the narrative with depth and authenticity.

Cast

Reviews

Critically, "Spare Parts" received mixed to positive responses, reflecting a blend of praise and critique. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a respectable 71% approval rating, indicating generally favorable reviews. Critics appreciated the film's inspiring true story and its uplifting message about perseverance and achievement in the face of adversity. For example, many reviewers highlighted the authentic portrayal of marginalized youth and praised the film for emphasizing STEM education. However, some critics noted that the film occasionally leaned into familiar sports drama clichés and predictable storytelling, which slightly diminished its impact. IMDb users rated the movie at 4.4/10, reflecting a more divided audience reception, with some viewers finding the pacing uneven and the character development limited. Despite this, the movie is regarded as an encouraging and motivational piece that sheds light on an underrepresented narrative in film.