The El Capitan theater in Hollywood is one of the most beautiful theaters I've been in, though I do prefer Graumann's Chinese Theater across the street. (Note: It will be a cold day in hell before I reliquish Graumann's ownership over the classic theater) When I talked to Garth Franklin over at DARK HORIZONS the other day, he also mentioned to stay for the end credits... "It's the best part of the movie!" Now, I can't imagine why it would be the best part of the movie, because the rest of the film is pretty dang good... BUT WHATEVER, Ok ok ok, I'll stay through the end credits. Sheesh... Well here's Superninja's review!
I saw A Bug's Life screened in L.A. on Saturday, at the El Capitan in Hollywood, no less. We waited in line for about 45 minutes, then were directed into the theater. The crowd consisted mostly of 18-25 year olds, with a few kids and grampies thrown in for good measure. I don't know if you've ever been to the El Capitan, Harry, but it's a beautiful theater with about 1,000 seats (or so the geek wranglers told us). Me and several of my friends sat in the upper balcony, giving us a perfect view of the screen and of the dramatic decor of the theater itself. The director of the film (and one of the original writers of the screenplay) introduced the film, trying to pump the crowd up. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits, and the layers of the multi-colored curtain raised then parted and the movie began.
Let me just say, that this is one great film! I knew going in from early reviews on your website, that there was no way this was going to be a bad film. The film was evenly entertaining and the animation excellent. All of the characters were typical Disney fare (i.e. I can already hear the cash registers - cha-ching), but fun and endearing. As, I'm sure you know, the plot basically follows a single ant that is the "outsider" and how he learns to fit into his society. The real show-stoppers are the Circus Bugs who he hooks up with to rid the anthill of the Grasshoppers. In particular, the audience seemed to love the two acrobatic pillbugs, who don't speak English and like to give "thumbs up". Also, the Ladybug was a favorite as well. I highly recommend this film for everyone, young and old -- you won't be disappointed. I'm sure you will be hearing this soon, but I won't spoil it. STAY FOR THE CREDITS!!! It's the best part of the film!
I'm sure the film will invite comparisons to Antz, but I think they're two very different films. Though their stories are similar, Antz (PG) seems to be in line with the more adult oriented stories that Dreamworks is attempting with animation, vs. A Bug's Life with a G rating. The nod in Ants to Saving Private Ryan and Woody/Z's opening monologue have to be incomprehensible to a child. But I predict A Bug's Life will trounce Antz based on a more widespread audience.
Thanks for your time.
call me "Superninja".
