Review of Antz (1998) by Tony L — 01 Jul 2014
Released virtually on to of A Bugs Life, too many people draw an immediate comparison. ABL, like most Disney, is a film about human characters in animal (in this case, insect) skins, to allow the odd insect joke to be cracked or situation to be allowed. Good, childish fun...but not like Antz.
Antz (Ant "Z") is about ANTS examined from the perspective of the only ant, Z, (Allen) with a human psychological perspective making an original and hilarious premise for the story from the start.
The almost robotic functionality of an ant colony can't accommodate Z's individuality (or neurotic desire for it), so when his ideas start to rub off on some of the other cogs in the machine (a selection of stereotypes played by typecast actors and actresses, to great effect), disaster and comical dysfunction follow.
Don't be surprised if your kids don't enjoy it that much, as most of this is likely to be over their heads. Those looking for a mindless dose of fun (why else would you watch a cartoon?) may be disappointed, too. This is deep, dark, complex comedy and its fantastic when watched as such.
This review of Antz (1998) was written by Tony L on 01 Jul 2014.
Antz has generally received positive reviews.
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