david-2829

This movie just goes to show you that the National Lampoon name doesn't really mean anything anymore. This feels like a low-budget TV Movie, with a simple linear story, basic acting, and a stereotypical cast. However, it isn't "awful"... it is saved by some interesting outcomes I wasn't expecting at all, and a cast that doesn't try to hard with their limited dialogue.

I don't know why they called this "Surf Party" as their is hardly any surfing, and hardly any partying. It's about a stolen surf board, and the short quest to venture from Ventura (see what I did there) into the Valley to recover it.

Since this is National Lampoon branded film, you might be expecting a lot of nudity. But this film doesn't deliver much even on that front... so you will be disappointed if that is all you seek.

Not much to recommend, really. If you're from Ventura or surrounding areas you'll see familiar sites (I enjoyed that aspect at least). However, the "Wonder Years" style of opening and closing seems to be a particularly cheesy flavor for this genre of film.

A real classic in animated children's movies, full of wit, humor, great characters and a story that appeals to all ages. Full of quotable lines and excellent voice talent, and one of the funniest "outtake" reels ever created.

The tale of a quirky inventor trying to make a difference for his colony is heart-warming and lesson filled. It strikes a chord in us all, the powerful need to make an impact, improve the world around us and better the lives of those we care about... especially when nobody believes you can do it! The humor has broad appeal. From some slapstick for the kids (Flick crashes into the river bed rocks)... to inside "bug humor" (the grasshopper with a sign "Kid pulled my wing's off") for those who understand more about the bug world. It's got jokes throughout the entire movie... even up to Heimlich sprouting little wings and saying "From up here you all look little ants." haha Not only are the visuals strikingly real in many places, but to take things down to the world of bugs creates a fascinating perspective on things. From raindrops that are like bombs to the "city life" of a country house's junk pile. "This stop, Deeeeead Rat!" Yes! All this, and more, from a "kid's movie." One mark of a great movie is that you watch it again and again over the years, and still manage to enjoy it every time you see it. That has certainly been the case for me with "A Bug's Life."

Earth is a feature-length cut-down of some of the most jaw-dropping nature footage ever shot... the Planet Earth series. I'm a huge fan of the series, and watch it often with my family, and because of that I wasn't as impressed with the movie version.

I understand Global Warming problems, but the voice-over comes across as preachy and tries to hard to tug at the heartstrings. I'd prefer a more factual approach... not even the mellifluous voice of Patrick Stewart can overcome the script issues.

Planet Earth gets 10 of 10 stars in my book, and Disney makes an admirable attempt to piece together a feature film in an hour and a half. But there is so much ground to cover (har har) with these stories, and so many incredible locations that it feels overly stuffed and unfocused. You can tell they were cramming it all in, instead of the lush exploration of the original episodes.

I think once you see something in one format, to see the same elements mashed up together in a different way can often be less satisfying. But for first-time viewers, I wouldn't miss this documentary film... if for nothing other than the footage. You will undoubtedly see things you've never seen before.