The Hill Farm

This short was nominated for an Academy Award and, but for the fact that Balance was eligible in the same year, it probably would have won. It did win a BAFTA for Animated Short. I guess if I were to try and sum up an 18 minute short in one word, it would be perspective. It largely depends on how you look at something that determines how you react to a situation. This short examines different people and their reaction to the same surroundings and events. It's by turns humorous and quietly thoughtful in doing this examination. This was included on Spike and Mike's Festival of Animation, which makes this a great tape to grab, if you can find it, all by itself. A marvelous piece, without a doubt. Most Highly Recommended.

I love short films and especially short animation. I have recently watched dozens of winners and nominees for the Oscar for Best Animated Short and was shocked when I looked at 1990's nominees. They were absolutely horrid compared to the years before or sense and I seriously doubt if THE HILL FARM would have been nominated any other recent year--it was just so ordinary. Judging by the fact that BALANCE was the winner in 1990, it was a very, very bad year.

THE HILL FARM has decent animation, but its style isn't compelling enough to merit a lot of attention. Additionally, the cartoon itself just isn't all that special one way or another.

Do yourself a favor--watch more short animation films--just NOT those from 1989--or at least not those nominated.

By the way, KNICK KNACK from Pixar also came out in 1989--so where is this great film among all the nominees?!