| RATING: | 80% |
| FORMAT: | DVD |
Single Parenthood
Interesting variation on single-parenthood in that this one concerns a lonely man wishing for a son through surrogate, wombless birth.
This superior fairy tale is a Frankenstein for all the family - but without the criminal’s brain. It involves having to learn free will and, in so doing, not blaming others for the choices one makes. Moreover, the effect of telling lies on proboscises imparts a simple moral lesson - in visual terms - that all ages can appreciate.
Inevitably, a cartoon about a godlike act of creation is implicitly commenting on its own production and existence. And this playful self referentiality is subtly present throughout. The need of the marionette to grow up and away from its parent in order to mature into an adult standing on its own two feet is the basis of this movie’s morality. However, this film’s ethical take on life is more emotional than strictly rational; hence, the moral weakness at the center of this technically-brilliant film with its craftsman’s-animation-verging-on-artistic-genius.
Modern animation is mediocre because there are few alive today like Walt Disney - not even at Walt Disney Productions! This movie is one of the best animated musical comedies of all time, partly because what these animators do without computers boggles the mind - a perfect combination of art and craft in which the craft supports the art and the special effects do not become the story, but remain proper adjuncts to it.
Voices are employed because of their vocal abilities, not solely their being well-known. The production team’s obvious confidence in the material did not require the emotional crutch of a name star to help sell the movie. Moreover, fine character animation, memorably relevant songs that neatly and effectively carry the plot forward, a fun plot & laughs aplenty ably complement this self-assurance.
That a man like Disney could produce such quality merchandise and yet makes tons of money proves quality will out. Disney also proved that family movies - and their associated values - could always sell, no matter how cynical the public (or its exploiters) might claim to be. And also that visual explicitness is not necessary to tell a good story about real life issues in all their Sturm und Drang.
Animation is the highest art in the movie world, and such labors of love are always so lovely to watch.
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