Reviews & Ratings for
Antz (1998)

Antz is a film directed by Eric Darnell and Tim Johnson. I decided not to watch or read anything regarding this film before watching the film. After finally watching it, I can say that I enjoyed the whole 87 minutes of this film.

Plot: Z, a worker ant decides to impersonate as a soldier ant just to impress the Princess Bala.

Story and direction: The film released at a time when CGI animation was just starting. This film is also famous because of its similarities with A BUG’S LIFE. But let me tell you these two films are poles apart in terms of content. This film mainly focuses on the issue of making your own choices rather than just doing the things just because someone told you to. This theme is very relevant in modern times and it has been very clearly justified in the film. There are many adult references in the film which also made it very different considering at the time animated films were aimed for the children. Also, the designs for the characters are amazing. The voice work was aptly chosen. Finally, the music of the film was great and was like sugar to the ears. What I did have a problem with was the animation itself. Three years before this we had a film like Toy Story which is considered as a landmark in terms of animated CGI films. The animation was not impressive with this one, but I laud the effort that the makers went to in order to make this film.

Favorite Scene: It would be the first interaction between Bala and Z and then the dance in the scene thereafter. This scene caught on to my mind because this particular scene justifies the basic theme of the film of doing something different than others so that you can be unique.

Verdict: Although I won’t say that this is one of the best animated films of all time, but I do say that this film deserves a watch. With 87 minutes as the runtime, I did feel entertained for the whole time. I never felt for a moment that the film even diverted my attention, which is a huge credit for any film.

I am going with an 8/10.

Pixar took us into the world of bugs by showing them harvesting, flying, rivalling against another kind and getting eaten by birds.

What Pixar couldn't tell us is that bugs are never noticed, or get stepped on, swatted or burned alive if so, by humans. That, and worms exist.

That's a bug's life indeed, children.