A Wish for Wings That Work

I can totally see where the negative reviews come from, it IS a rather sanitized version of Bloom County/Outland. But that being said it's still a fun little Christmas special that's suitable for all (Ok, most) of the family.

The premise and plot are pretty formulaic with Opus desperately desiring "wings that work" and appealing to the one authority he knows that can possibly help him. Santa Clause. And most of the episode is pretty much his attempts to overcome/cope with his flightless status until Santa can get there.

The jokes are pretty good, even today, and Bill The Cat naturally steals the show.

I think what pisses people off about this is that it's missing the raunchiness that they were familiar with in the comics, instead favoring the family-friendly storyline.

Personally I still think it's worth a watch whether you're a fan of Berkeley's work or not.

This movie makes me laugh, especially the antics of Bloom County's/Outland's deranged and disgusting Bill the Cat. Bill acts as if he'd just had a lombotomy (as usual) and somehow manages to remain a sympathetic character even though you would never want to take him home and allow him to cough up hairballs on your rug. I particularly recommend this movie for those who don't like saccharine movies at Christmas and prefer the Grinch Who Stole Christmas/Scrooged/Nightmare Before Christmas type of holiday fun.

I remembered when I was seven, I picked out a video at the rental store that was different and funny...When I was halfway through the tape, I was rolling on the floor laughing my butt off...It was funny because it featured a hero with a dream (Opus), which was ironic that he wishes to fly because he is a penguin.

Anyway...This movie is one of the greatest of off-beat holiday specials...You'll have to see for yourself...

I know from reading an interview with Berkeley Breathed that he didn't like this TV special. He didn't explain exactly why, although being as familiar with "Bloom County" and its various spin off comics over the years as I am, I can guess as to why. Still, I don't know exactly.

It may have been because this TV special was marketed specifically toward younger audiences, whereas "Bloom County" is traditionally not for kids. Then again, this special was made in conjunction with a picture book Breathed wrote specifically for kids, so I really don't know what Berkeley's beef was.

I haven't read the book on which this film is based, but I liked it just the same. The TV special successfully walked the fine line between Berkeley Breathed's usual adult humor on politics and pop culture, and other cute-sy Christmas specials like "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer". It was a smart movie that, in my opinion, doesn't alienate kids, while being a good piece of holiday eye candy with a lot of heart to it which doesn't repulse adults. For that reason, I'm glad they finally decided to release this movie on DVD.

Based on my understanding of the "Bloom County" universe, Opus the penguin doesn't get dumbed down in this cartoon. The basic plot of the movie is his insecurity with himself in being that his beak is too big, and he can't fly. That predicament appears to match his comic persona to a T, and it gave the story heart while not being too mushy. Added to Bill the Cat (who needs no dumbing down, since he's as dumb as one can get anyway) and his slapstick antics, the two characters just made this movie work.

If I had one complaint about this special, it's that it wasn't long enough. I'm sure since it was made-for-TV, they had to cut it down significantly for air time. It showed too, since the ending was a bit flatter than it should have been, perhaps as if the makers of this special were in a hurry to get it out before the next Christmas.

Other than that, the movie was fine. Breathed's contempt for the finished product is very similar to Stephen King's dissatisfaction with Stanley Kubrick's take on "The Shining". Breathed mentioned that he did want to bring Opus to the big screen and present him the way he should be. Until then, though, "A Wish For Wings That Work" is a better starting point than Breathed thinks. Thanks to the recent DVD release, this film just may get the cult attention it deserves. So Mr. Breathed, if you're reading this, don't be ashamed of this movie. It's very good, and I highly recommend it for the holiday season, or anytime for that matter.

I first saw this when I was 8-9 years old. I'm 28 now and this film has stuck with me over the years! It is one of the most funny cartoons I've personally ever seen. The story line is hilarious, but warmhearted. :) Bill the cat is an epic character! Probably the coolest animated feline ever! Garfield ain't got nothing on Bill the Cat. Opus and the other characters are great too. Highly recommend this title to children and adults alike. My only complaint for this movie is.... its too short. ((approx 24 minutes)) This little cartoon is so entertaining... you want more of it!

Storyline: 8/10 Humor Value: High Ending: 10/10 - heartwarming, funny!!! Music: very good! Animation Quality: very good! Lasting Appeal: 10/10 ~ you never forget this title!!

*Highly recommend*