Quackerz

Recently watched the Quackerz with kids, nice story! We enjoyed watching it together, the guys loved the plot and funny ducks, I loved the animation, the characters are so true to life.. well done, perfect to watch in the family circle.

Definitely we recommend!

The cartoon is a kind family cartoon, well-drawn graphics, dynamic, I think it will be interesting for children from 5.

The plot is about the confrontation between two clans of ducks that lived on opposite sides of a cliff by the sea.

Here, by the way, landscapes: sea, rocks, sky, vegetation - gorgeous views turned out, just like I wanted to be on the sea.

There are very few movies I would walk out on after paying to see them, but this film was PAINFULLY stupid. It was so horrible I didn't even ask for my money back, as I didn't trust myself to not berate the poor theater employee when it wasn't his fault he sold me a ticket to a movie that simply should not have been made. Nonetheless, t couldn't endure more than 20 minutes of it before having to leave or risk a splitting headache. It's not just a matter of individual comedy style preferences - although I'm not a fan of "dumb and dumber" type comedy, this movie isn't stupid in that way (I would have watched it through to the end if it had been). It's just simply stupid in every way: Plot (nonexistent), dialogue, music, characters, gaudy poorly done violence in places where violence doesn't even make any sense, much less contribute to the story. I don't know how to say it better than simply: "Everything about this movie is awful."

Love animation (films like 'Beauty and the Beast', 'Pinocchio', 'The Lion King', 'Bambi', 'Sleeping Beauty', 'Snow White', 'Aladdin', 'The Little Mermaid, the 'Toy Story' trilogy, 'Inside Out' 'The Secret of NIMH' 'Watership Down', 'The Prince of Egypt', 'The Iron Giant' and many of Studio Ghibli films are among my favourites), always have, always will. Russian animation fascinates me, especially the older, traditional animation from Soyuzmultfilm.

There are certainly far worse animated films out there than 'Quackerz', as strange a film it is it actually looks like effort was put into it and not an amateurish hack job. It is however sadly a case of an interesting concept executed weirdly and blandly. There are good points certainly. Apart from the mediocre work on the humans, the animation is very good. Very vibrant in colour with colours that leap out of the screen and rich and meticulous in detail.

While not exactly incredible, the voice cast (that doesn't rely on celebrity voices and didn't need to) do bring energy and soul to their roles. The soundtrack is infectiously peppy. There are a few amusing jokes and the sparring leaders and dim-witted thieves provide a little entertainment value.

Most successful is the romance between Erica and Longway. That had wit and heart and the characters have chemistry and are likable and confident, regardless of it being a very familiar story trope.

However, 'Quackerz' is a very strange film. Not just in the bizarrely confusing mishmash of accents that make what seemed to be a very clear setting initially increasingly more ambiguous. But also in elements like the steam-punk style that seems to be there for no reason and the gramophone/duck break dance scene that come over as out of place, bizarre and takes one out of the film.

Although the writing has its moments, a lot of it is awkward and some of it is culturally insensitive in a way that's not for the easily offended. It often sounded like a very clumsy attempt to appeal to international audiences. The story execution underwhelms outside of the romance. It has too many familiar elements done with little freshness and its most original element, the legend of the sun duck plot, is under-cooked and may confuse younger audiences. The ending is rushed. There are a few nice lessons and values but they're lost amidst the strong aroma of strangeness.

Characters-wise, while Erica and Longway are likable and the thieves and leaders have some entertainment value, the others are a mix of bland and annoying. The villain is a very superficial one who isn't particularly entertaining or memorable let alone menacing. As mentioned, the human character animation is mediocre at best.

In summary, okay but completely quackers (admittedly very bad pun intended). 4/10 Bethany Cox

Do you like crazy ducks, silly henchmen and a love story? Then the Quackers movie is just ducky for you. The comical, adventures and fun movie is perfect for the whole family. The story is about Mallard military ducks vs. Mandarin ducks. I like the way it all plays out with all the different story lines, characters and all the jokes.

The characters in this film are very detailed. They all have different, wonderful voices, which I enjoyed dearly. Robbie Daymond who plays Longway is spectacular. He fits the teenage duck and you can hear the frustration he feels as his desire is to spread his wings and see the world. Andrea Becker who plays Erica is magnificent. She connects with Longway and the two ducks are destined to be together. Enn Reitel who voices Peng Li is hysterical. It is sweet of him to be so protective of his son.

Mallard Commander is tough, but he has a soft side and loves his daughter dearly. You can tell that he wants the best for Erica. The story is really about how far fathers will go to protect their children. The voice-over actors are simply amazing and they all have peculiarities that fit their characters and make them sound unique.

The animation in this film is amazing. I love that it is so detailed. I like the way they show the town where people live as well as the mountains the ducks call home. All of the cooking scenes with the henchmen have astonishing details.

I loved the scene when Longway and Erica are flying and having such a good time. I am also a huge fan of romance. The ducks chewing gum and blowing pink bubbles in the air makes your heart go pitter patter and puts a smile on your face. You can just tell that these two are definitely love birds. The animation in this scene is very detailed. I am a tad bit jealous that she got a gorgeous blue firefly bouquet. It is so amazing.

I have a lot in common with Erica and can relate to her. She has girl power which makes her unique and fun. Erica is goodhearted, curious, adorable, smart and a tough cookie when needed. Those are just some of the qualities that I like about this awesome ducky.

This movie reminds me of Kung Fu Panda which also takes place in China, has talking animals and features the martial art of Kung Fu. Then, there is Romeo and Juliet's feathered fathers who keep the star- crossed duckies apart. It also reminded me of Rio because the Mandarin ducks cannot fly. This combination of movies put into one, has a slice of cake for everyone and I love that.

I recommend for ages 10 to 18. It is certainly family friendly. So, get a box of crackers and have a family adventure of your own. Be forewarned that there is some violence and the evil Ms. Knout could use a tad more feathers. I give this movie 4.5 out of 5 quacking flapping stars!

Reviewed by Morgan B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic.