Short of impressive animation, this movie has it all. It’s got a great sense of humor. It’s got a wonderful sense of self-awareness. It’s got a surprisingly good plot with twists that you wouldn’t see coming. It’s got compelling stereotype-defying characters (aside from the cops, as Maven pointed out in their post (ACAB)). It’s got great musical numbers that are entertaining but don’t nearly overstay their welcome. It’s got a magnificent cast of voices in both the actors and singers.

The only thing it doesn’t have is impressive animation, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have competent animation. From what I’ve heard, the budget for the animation was so minimalistic that they literally outsourced to a studio that had never made a movie before, and even by that standard the animation is extremely good at carrying and conveying character personas and story.

What an incredible movie. It doesn’t even need a sequel. I love it.

  • Maven (famous)M
    6•9 months ago

    The director said in an interview that the movies budget was around $8 million. It’s also worth noting that it was one of the first ever independently made CGI animated films ever. What they were able to do with that much was wildly good.

        • @ChicoSuave
          2•9 months ago

          I think DreamWorks formed around Antz as it was Jeffrey Katzenberg’s feud with Disney that drove him to make the movie and then realized he needed money, so he called up David Geffen and Speilberg to pay for it, thus the SKG (their last names) part of DreamWorks.

          Since DreamWorks was an unknown at that point, it was outside any studio. Just a deep pocketed independent.

          • Maven (famous)M
            1•9 months ago

            I guess technically yeah. I double checked the Wikipedia just to be sure and it doesn’t list it as independent but also that’s Wikipedia so I didn’t exactly dig far. I’d probably count it tho.

  • @agent_flounderEnglish
    4•9 months ago

    Perfect summary! Need to rewatch this. It’s really quite a stand out movie in all respects but one. The animation looks a bit crude but it doesn’t get in the way of the story. I’m pleasantly surprised to see I’m not the only one who’s seen this and loved it.

    • Maven (famous)M
      5•9 months ago

      I’m actually working on a review for the movie on YouTube but unlike most YouTubers talking about it I plan to actually talk about the film as a film instead of just recapping the movie and making jokes worse than the characters did in the movie.

      I’ll make sure to link it in this community when it’s done

    • @DarkShaggy
      2•9 months ago

      That guy does NOT like Flippers…

      • Maven (famous)M
        1•9 months ago

        THE MAN OWNS A SENTIENT BEING ON A LEASH!

        This isn’t even a goofy vs Pluto situation! The dog in this is actually sentient and does work for flippers! HE OWNS A PERSON!