The K-man,contacted us from deep in the outback with a few words on everything and Antz in paticular. Now we've all seen those National Geo. specials on down under and have seen the shots of those giant termite mounds they grow down there, well he is an expert on all things antlike so heed his words, words rich in the rust red dust blowing across his station.
Empire of the 'ANTZ': 24/9/98:
Harry, love your sight, particluarly your views concerning such studio rogered sure fire winners as SUPERMAN LIVES and I AM LEGEND, Burton directing?(Who was next choice? Abel Ferrera? The Farrelly Brothers?) Turfing K.Smiths script for misbegotten hell-hacks Goldsman, Strick et al? Casting Nic Cage(cos Sean Penn wasn't avavilable??!!) makes me want to dig my own grave just so I can turn in it. Have Warner Bros. pissed off a Voodoo high piest or something? I totally agree with your letter to Ahrnuld a few months back, too many green backs blow the budget and limit what he can be in. But Jeez, Ridley directing? Arnold kicking vampire glutes? I AM LEGEND had 100% WHOOP ASS all over it, even at 100 mill plus. Anyway enough puling...
Just copped the first Australian screening of Dreamworks 'Antz', and I'm giving it six thumbs up.
Antz is an eyepopping feast, SKG look set to rock the box office with this baby, and no doubt engender more drooling for 'The Prince of Egypt'. All the voice talent are bang on. Whoever thought of Woody Allen reaching a younger audience by voicing an ant can take a bow, Stone,Hackman, Walken, Glover and Stallone are a delight. This terrific movie has everything, comedy, action, a great message and suprising pathos. It puts that nasty bit of dross 'Small Soldiers' to sallow shame in terms of it's anti war message and manages to hold back on the usual syrupy soundtrack that these animation fests tend to bow to. Young and old will hoot alike.
Disney should be afraid. Be very afraid.
Cheeery-bye The K-man
