48) A Bug's Life
Director: John Lasseter and Andrew Stanton
Year: 1998
Plot Summary: Every year, a bunch of grasshoppers come to the anthill and eat what the ants have gathered for them. One day in spring, when the preparations have just been finished, Flik, unliked inventor ant, accidentally drops the whole offering into the river. The grasshoppers come and, upon seeing what has happened, threaten the ants, giving them only one more chance to collect the food. Flik sets off to find bugs that are willing to fight the grasshoppers and win back their freedom.
A Bug's Life is possibly the lowest point in Pixar's career. However, that feels like a criminal thing to say because, despite the fact it doesn't reach the level of creativity and inventiveness of their other work, it's still far better than most of the kids films you'd find from any other studio.Sure, the story is obvious and predictable from the very first moments of A Bug's Life. And sure, it isn't able to push the boat out in terms of its style in the way that Up did with its heartbreaking opening sequence or the way Wall-E did using only images and no dialogue for almost 30 minutes. But, having said that, there are still the usual laugh-out-loud moments of ironic humour, quirky little characters who will have you smiling, fun little nods to other genres and cliches, and enough action throughout to keep you glued to the screen.
It also features, for my money, one of the best voice acting performances that I've heard in an animated feature: Kevin Spacey as Hopper, the head of the grasshopper gang, who seems to fill the room with his presence and leaves you wanting more of him by the time the credits are rolling. I'm no actor, but to do that with just your voice seems pretty impressive to me!
If you're looking to see the magic of Pixar then you should start with the likes of Toy Story, Monsters Inc, The Incredibles, Wall-E or Up. But, nevertheless, it's still a fun little kids film.
3/5
3 comments:
So underrated. But there's something magestic about its visual and sound design that sends me off to places unknown. I think it's some sort of deep sense of nostalgia beyond the usual buzz.
Really? I'm surprised that you found it so good! :) It's not quite as detailed as their later work, but I actually really liked the visual style too. It's so simplistic. :)
Well yeah, it's like their second, haha. I downloaded it for a rewatch but wasn't 100% sure but I think you watching it now will persuade me.
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