This is not something I normally write about, but after watching the Fantastic Mr. Fox, I feel the need to have an unsolicited movie review today, given the movie's retro-inspired moments and sarcastic humor- 2 things we do very well around here. No spoilers, so no worries. Hell, it's not even a proper movie review. More like me telling you why you'll like it.
For reasons I can't remember, we totally missed seeing the Fantastic Mr. Fox when it was in theaters. Perhaps my inner psyche purposely made me miss it, because honestly I thought the movie looked ho-hum. So the very 1st day the movie came to Netflix last week, I jumped on it. Turns out, it was a swank and cool unexpected surprise of a movie.
The first 5 minutes of the movie shows Mr. Fox listening to “The Ballad of Davy Crockett” on his radio, and I was instantly hooked. And then there's the thievery and the one-liners and the monotone, dry delivery of jokes and the obscure movie references that only adults would understand (ie: the line from Rebel Without a Cause and the greaser rat who carries a switchblade and dances a scene from West Side Story). Plus, there's the George Clooney. Oh, the dreamy George Clooney. (How is possible that he can make a cartoon animal hot by just lending his voice?! Damn.) It was like Ocean's Eleven for kids with stop-motion claymation, backed by an even more unexpected, retro soundtrack by Wes Anderson which includes Burl Ives, the Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys and Bobby Fuller Four. Pretty smart way of sneaking in a little music appreciate for kids! But even if you're void of ankle-biters in the household, I think adults can easily sit down and watch it and I guarantee you'll appreciate the plot, the music, and the Clooney.
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Synchronicity - I just saw this movie on Saturday (thank you Netflix!). What a great movie! Good kids movies are usually described as "cute" - but this one fits the category of "cool" way better. Thanks for the unsolicited review! :)
ReplyDeleteWell you're most welcome, Kristen! I like the fact that it isn't loaded with the cutesy-cutesy like most kids' movies usually kill you with!
ReplyDeleteGood call. This is definitely a cool film. I don't know that I'd necessarily even classify it as a kids film. The adults in the theatre when I saw it seemed to be enjoying it much more than the kids were.
ReplyDeleteBack up off my alternate husband, lady!
ReplyDeleteI loved this film and I actually did see it at the cinema!
ReplyDeleteIt has a wonderfully retro feel to it and the humour is wicked. (That's just lazy sonwriting. It's a bad song,Petey!*thump*)
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http://oh-stop-it-claire.blogspot.com/2010/01/film-review-fantastic-mr-fox.html
This was hands down one of my favorite movies from last year. Like you, the moment I heard the ballad of Davy Crockett I knew I would love it. It's funny how some movies grow on you & others grab you & you fall instantly in love. Favorite line: "No you're not. Your disloyal." Also, I need a dress & brooch like Mrs. Fox.
ReplyDelete~Christine H.