Review of The Ant Bully (2006) by Garrett M — 07 Oct 2007

This was a cute movie. It could have done without the bare butt that was flashed for the screen at least twice, but still I think this movie actually brought up a point that I've noticed most movies miss when they do the whole 'shrinking a person' thing. That is, I've always been bothered that the clothes shrink or enlarge along with their wearer, but this movie deals with that. It's a small point, but I think it's worth mentioning.

This movie kind of reminded me of another animated film I was watching recently, Open Season? Some of the same attitudes in that film were present in this one, such as the underlying implication that people shouldn't kill other types of life, bugs or other wildlife for instance. This is, I think, a little unfortunate. Believe you me, I'm as sympathetic to animals and insects as most any one, short of thinking it's some kind of murder to kill them. Unless it's an animal which is venomous or poisonous or otherwise dangerous. I realize that in this film, the insects are relatively harmless, and I do have some measure of uncertainty about the exterminator taking such sick pleasure in the death that he is dealing them, but I still think that the movie might be out of place with the tone it's striking about humans killing insects.

Also, another point of criticism, there are references in the movie to the 'Mother of Mothers' for the ants? This is as close as the film gets to mentioning some kind of deity. Might I ask why the 'deity' is a female? Perhaps the film makers, along with being overly conscious of animal and insect rights, also want to appeal to feminists who imagine that God could be a woman. This is rather strange, if it's true. Granted, I am supposing a number of things without direct evidence. But still, the hints are there.

Other than those elements, it was a cute movie, with a number of funny moments. It was, by and large, and enjoyable piece.