This short offers a comical twist on the mobster environment! "Ignorance will not be tolerated" resonates loud and clear in this animated farce. Lots of red hues in the animated scenes seem to hint at pending violence in this tough neighborhood.
Big Pasta is a cigar-chomping mob boss who wants to gain control of a loosey-goosey biker gang called the Ignorants. They want a new contract, but they have to prove something to Big Pasta first. So they confront each other in barrooms, alleys and elsewhere to work out their differences.
The jazzy, honky-tonk musical score works great, adding an ambiance suitable to the time and place. The sets of New York City with streetlamps and billboards, the rhythmic movements and singing by the gang members reminded me a lot of the musical West Side Story.
I enjoyed the artistry of the visuals and the animation. The facial details with scars, sunken cheekbones, scowls and pouts deem true to the gangster stereotype. The sound effects provoke rumbling engines and squealing tires which add to the sense of urgency and excitement.
My favorite part is when the Ignorants gang members finally sing out the meaning of Einstein's E=MC2 formula, to prove that they are now real Wise Guys. This prompts Big Pasta to sign their new contract and puts a smile on all the faces.
The message is that in order to succeed in life, one needs to overcome ignorance and bias. You can do it alone or as part of a team. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend it for ages 13 to 18, as well as adults. Reviewed by Jeff M. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Jurors.
