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Ron's Gone Wrong - 2021

Ron's Gone Wrong - 2021
Movie Info

Rating: PG


Age-appropriateness: slapstick violence


Overview: The story of Barney, an awkward middle-schooler and Ron, his new walking, talking, digitally-connected device. Ron's malfunctions set against the backdrop of the social media age launch them on a journey to learn about true friendship.


Themes: technology/screen time, adolescence, friendship, bullying, loneliness, emotions, father/son, family, parenting, death/grieving, rules, embarrassment

The Quick 3

Ask these quick questions to hit the major themes of the film.

1. Friendship. What do you think it takes to be a good friend to someone else? How do you new friends?

  • Mark created a Bubble Bot in order to give kids friends through his “algorithm of friendship”. The Bubble Bot got to know their kid friends, understanding their interests and personalities. Barney said that “friendship is a two-way street.” God’s Word talks about friendship in 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”


2. Technology/screen time. What are the best parts about technology? What are some of the concerns?

  • Bubble Bots were amazing technology. When used in the appropriate context, this technology made people’s lives a lot better and connected people to one another. However, technology can also be dangerous, keeping us from healthy, in-person relationships or proper sleep. Mark says he invented B-Bots for “friendship and connection…but it’s not working.”

  • Check out this article on How to Talk to Your Kids About Technology/Screen Time.


3. Adolescence. Have you ever found it difficult to fit in? What are the awkward, confusing, and difficult aspects of being a kid?

  • Barney was the only person in his school without a B-Bot. It seemed like everyone else was connected to a friend group, except him. Barney found it difficult to interact with others. Savannah said that “Barney has to find friends, or else he won’t survive middle school”.

  • Here's an article on Adolescence (Teenagers).

After The Movie Discussion Guide

Follow this 5-10 minute discussion guide to drive an in-depth conversation.

1. Bubble Bots were amazing technology. When used in the appropriate context, this technology made people’s lives a lot better and connected people to one another. However, technology can also be dangerous, keeping us from healthy, in-person relationships or proper sleep. Mark says he invented B-Bots for “friendship and connection…but it’s not working.” What are the best parts about technology? What are some of the concerns?


2. Barney was the only person in his school without a B-Bot. It seemed like everyone else was connected to a friend group, except him. Barney found it difficult to interact with others. Savannah said that “Barney has to find friends, or else he won’t survive middle school”. Have you ever found it difficult to fit in? What are the awkward, confusing, and difficult aspects of being a kid?


3. Mark created a Bubble Bot in order to give kids friends through his “algorithm of friendship”. The Bubble Bot got to know their kid friends, understanding their interests and personalities. Barney said that “friendship is a two-way street.” God’s Word talks about friendship in 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” What do you think it takes to be a good friend to someone else? How do you new friends?


4. Barney was really nervous about disappointing his father. Many times, Barney wouldn’t share his true feelings with his dad, afraid he might hurt his dad’s feelings. Ron points out that Barney avoids his feelings most of the time. Do you ever feel like you need to hide your true feelings from your parents? Why or why not?


5. Rich and his friends frequently bullied Barney. They mistreated him and disrespected him. How do you think this made Barney feel? What do you think is the best way to respond to a bully?


6. Ron didn’t quite work like he was supposed to. His settings weren’t uploaded, so he regularly malfunctioned. However, Barney found Ron’s uniqueness to be unique, fun, and exciting. What makes you unique? In what ways do you operate different than everyone else?

Minute By Minute Guide

Use this break down of the entire movie in addition to the “After the Movie” discussion guide. Great for repeat viewings.

:01 Mark gives a speech at Bubble about technology that can help give everyone a best friend. He related to people in the audience, asking them if they ever “felt alone”. Have you ever felt like you were alone? Do you find it difficult to make friends?


:09 Rich and his friends bullied Barney, teasing him about his interest in rocks. Other kids joined in, making fun of Barney and excluding him at times. Do you ever get picked on by others? How do you typically react to being bullied?


:13 Barney’s father didn’t want Barney addicted to screens. However, because Barney was so disconnected from other kids, he felt isolated. Do you ever feel disconnected from your friends? How satisfied are you with your current social life?


:27 Going against his intended design, Ron fought back against Rich. Because his settings hadn’t been uploaded, Ron didn’t have any safety mechanisms. Barney really appreciated it, calling it “terrible and awesome”. How did you feel about Ron fighting back against Rich? Do you think that was the right thing to do?


:36 Barney saves Ron from being recycled and chooses to be his friend. He assures Ron that he will teach Ron how to be a friend. Barney said “a friend likes everything about you and is on your side.” How would you teach someone how to be a friend? What’s most important to know when it comes to being a great friend?


:40 Barney tells Ron that his mom died when he was two. Barney points out that it was really hard on his dad. At times, Barney was scared but he was afraid to tell his father, thinking he’d be sad, too. Have you ever lost someone really close to you? How do you think Barney feels about losing his mother when he was so young?


:45 Barney expresses how difficult it is for him to make friends. He expresses vulnerability to Ron, telling him how he really feels. Vulnerability is sharing openly and honestly with someone knowing you are risking being hurt. Who are some of your friends who you can be vulnerable with? Do you find it difficult to be honest about your feelings?


:55 When Ron unlocks the safety features and limitations of all of the B-Bots around him, chaos ensues. Rules and limitations are set in place to keep us safe. God gives us rules because He knows what’s best for us. Why is it so dangerous to live in a world without rules? Do you appreciate the rules your parents have put in place to keep you safe?


1:03 Savannah cries, embarrassed about the thought of being known as “poop girl” her entire life. When we’re you super embarrassed about something? How did you endure that experience?


1:07 Barney acknowledges that he’s “not one of the cool kids”. He doesn’t invite people to be his friend because, in his words, “if you don’t invite them, you can’t say ‘no’”. Barney had some bad experiences with his peers, so he’s fearful of putting himself out there again, worried about rejection. Do you ever worry that other kids might reject you? Do you ever worry about being one of the “cool kids”?


1:18 Savannah, Rich, and others help out Barney when he needs help. Friends are there for each other when one of them is in trouble. In what ways are you there for your friends when they need you? How have your friendships evolved over the years?


1:28 The new Bubble CEO points out some of the downsides of technology. He has been inappropriately using the data of the kids that use B-Bots. He also pointed out that technology is often used by parents to keep kids quiet for a few hours, and that having friends over to your house is messy. Can you see the potential downsides in technology? What might you change about the way you use screens week-to-week?


1:35 Ron sacrifices himself in order to ensure everyone else has friends. He gives up his life in order to make sure other’s live their life to the fullest. On the cross, Jesus gave up his life so that all people could be saved. John 15:13 says, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Why do you think Jesus laid down His life for His friends? Why is Jesus’s sacrifice such a big deal?

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