ANTZ 1998
A film review by Timothy Voon
Copyright 1998 Timothy Voon
3 *** out of 4 **** for an insect movie with a bite
ANTZ (DreamWorks) Voices: Woody Allen, Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Sylvester Stallone, Jennifer Lopez, Christopher Walken, Anne Bancroft. Screenplay: Todd Alcott and Chris Weitz & Paul Weitz. Producers: Brad Lewis, Aron Warner and Patty Wooton. Directors: Eric Darnell and Tim Johnson
In what is undoubtedly one of the funniest insect movies to date (there haven't been that many, one other comes to mind - MICROCOSMOS, was unintentionally funny) we are presented with a rare product of clever devices. DreamWorks has used the miracle of computer generated graphics to bring across a heart warming story of how being an individual is integral to being a part of society. Using the neurosis of a very Woody Allen character, we are charmed with something that Disney would have been proud to present to the public.
This movie is littered with an impressive profile of Hollywood actors. You will know who they are, even if you don't recognise their voice. Stallone plays another caring, sensitive big guy role that brought him critical acclaim in COPLAND - pulls out his droll voice for ‘Weaver' the ant who gets hurt for a friend. I'm not sure whether Sharon Stone will ever come close to royalty, but she gets her chance as ‘Bala', the ant princess with an attitude. Gene Hackman thrives when it comes to guys you love to hate and ‘General Mandible' is no exception. Whilst Chritopher Walken does something less typical and allows his conscience to take a turn for the better in the end. There are many more fame names, but the movie really belongs to Z-4195 (Woody Allen). His character comes across like something the comedian would have written about himself, and was undoubtedly written with him in mind.
This is a commendable effort containing computer generated graphics, adult and kiddy humour, mixed in with relevant social issues. A very entertaining, innovative enterprise from the DreamWorks team.
Timothy Voon
e-mail: stirling@netlink.com.au
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