Pixar’s A Bug’s Life is still the best of the batch when it comes to animated movies about ants and/or insects. I’m not sure who approved this rather mediocre forary into children’s programming for last last Summer but if it weren’t for Bruce Campbell’s presence as comic relief, this was a waste of 90 minutes. Such a shame too since it was directed by John A Davis whose previous work was Jimmy Neutron. Maybe he should stick to short, television-based material.
The Ant Bully is based upon a book I never heard of, then again, I’m not an expert on children’s literature. It’s the telegraphed moral lesson of “do unto others” or “walk a mile in their shoes” for a picked-on boy named Lucas who takes out his frustrations on an ant colony. After a devastating flood caused by a garden hose, the colony’s wizard uses his magic to shrink Lucas down to their size so he can face his accusers. The wise and creepy mystical queen sentences Lucas to life as an ant until he gains their perspective and it’s up to Hova to teach, protect and assist him. Julia Roberts must be an acting because she’s nothing like Hova in real life.
This movie will keep small children pacified and impress the gullible, celebrity worshippers over the favors Tom Hanks must have pulled to cajole people from Hollywood’s A list to lend their voices. When it comes to the former, you might want to put it aside for something better. I’m glad my sister-in-law loaned it to me, I would’ve felt rather gypped to spend the money renting it at Blockbuster/Hollywood.