Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm

Like so many others, I've been a fan of Aqua Teen since the 2000s and was thrilled when this movie was announced. Unfortunately, the result was very disappointing.

The plot is certainly more focused than the previous outing, which while not perfect, retained the show's humour perfectly. This time, the audience receives a more linear story parodying the unlikable tech moguls we know and endure today, but the satire itself doesn't have much else to say other than pointing to the obvious faults and misdeeds these real life supervillains commit.

The classic characters are still very much themselves, particularly Meatwad, who is as naïve and innocent as ever. Peter Serafinowicz, an amazing impressionist and hilarious performer, is used for little more than a very good Robert Downey Jr. Mimic, which was a bit of a waste of such talent. Longtime fans may also be disappointed by the lack of favourites such as The Plutonians and The Cybernetic Ghost Of Christmas Past, who provided the show and previous film with some hysterical moments. Instead we receive a very dull villain sidekick in Elmer, the flat Japongaloids and Fraptaculans and the forgettable co-workers of Frylock.

While it was nice to see these characters again and not feel like soulless nostalgia such as Han Solo in The Force Awakens, they could and should have been used better, or at least be given better dialogue. Ultimately, I still want more Aqua Teen but not if it's as dreary as this sad, wet fart of a return.

Admittedly it's not as absurdist as the show or the first movie, it actually tells a concise story. I could have done without all the Mooninite movie interruptions, though they were funny at times. It felt like an extended "villain of the week" style episode of Aqua Teen with Neil being a pretty funny inclusion.

Good to see all of the voice cast return, a few more little cameos would have been cool as it feels almost like a reunion since the show's cancellation. I just hope Carey Means got a better contract deal out of this one., and I really do hope the sequel bait at the very very end wasn't just a goof.

Aqua Teen could stand to return every couple years with something like this, but I would kill for a new season instead.

I'm a huge fan of the show, so of course I was excited to watch a new movie. Sadly it wasn't nearly as good as the show was. I had hoped to see more familiar characters, but instead was introduced to several new and very interesting ones. It hurts me to say there's something ATHF I don't like, cuz the show was so brilliant and hilarious, but this movie just didn't do it for me. The humor seemed to be the same, but it just didn't deliver like it used to. I'm so sad. Still love you, ATHF.

This is the part where I just try to fulfill the ridiculous character requirements so I can submit my review.

As an Aqua Teen Fan from season 1 all those years ago during college, the nostalgia making me a lifelong fan, I was super disappointed in this film. It felt like an extended episode and not a good one at that. Felt disconnected.

Think about what Family Guy did with their Star Wars parodies, that's great storytelling. Let's be honest the last ATHF movie wasn't the best either. If they do another film I hope they push the envelope, do something really of the box, you're ATHF for crying out loud!

I did like the Neil character, but cannot say the same for others. They felt uninteresting. Not sure if anyone noticed but the guy who does Carl's/meatwad's voice seemed to have some sinus issues going on for some of the voice work. Sounded stuffed up slash nasaly.

I have faith before it's over ATHF will not let me down, you got this!

I enjoy these characters as much as anyone, but this movie was way too conventional. The appeal of the show is that it can go in so many nonsensical directions in just an 11 minute runtime. For this film, it seems like they thought they needed to keep a linear narrative going for the 75 minute runtime. I preferred it when things would go off the rails right from the start, and then keep getting more and more out of control. Of course, there are plenty of silly moments and goofy plot points, but compared to what we've been used to, this seems really tame, even as they add in explicit language. I recommend skipping this one--it offers minimal payoff.