Film Forum

Episode Recap

Episode 7

10/19/2004

Films Reviewed: Team America: World Police and SharkTale

Commentary: Our favorite voice over actors and performances

Featurette: Behind the scenes of SharkTale

Regarding Team America: World Police:

Matt: A very "for the moment" film.  This may not stand the course of time, but these vulgar, violent puppets really do deliver the laughs.  If there is a statement to be made, it's that we shouldn't take this war on terrorism too seriously.  It's really good to see the guys that created "South Park" stretching their creative muscles.  Three stars.

Aron: This is not a children's film by any stretch of the imagination.  But Trey and Matt do have something to say and they get their point across in a very unique way.  This film may be remembered more for the puppet sex and the members of the "Film Actors Guild" (think of it initially).  A good film to match our political climate.  Three stars  

Average Rating: *** (out of ****)

Regarding SharkTale:

Aron: This is a really fun movie.  The voice talent had a lot of fun doing this, and the CG design is completely breathtaking.  Not a whole lot in the story department, but a fine family film.  Three stars.

Matt: This really is a collection of shorts.  Individually, they're wonderful.  However, the concentration on the Will Smith character turns this film into a hip-hop CG animated film with very limited appeal.  Had the Jack Black character been the main character, it would have been a much different (and better) film.  Two stars.

Average Rating: **1/2 (out of ****)

Commentary:  The Genie in Aladdin.  Mufasa in The Lion King.  The title character of Anastasia.  Bugs Bunny.  What do these characters have in common?  They're all animated!  Aron and Matt took a few minutes to discuss their favorite voice over performers and performances.

Featurette: Behind the scenes of SharkTale, starring Will Smith, Jack Black, Robert De Niro, Angelina Jolie and Martin Scorscese(!!)