This was quite an innovative little film which should not to be confused with the anime cartoon series from the 1970’s sporting the same title. The little rodents are full of determination as they scurry in a hurry trying to save humanity. These little fur balls are fun to watch. My wife and I just recently got around to seeing this.
The superspy guinea pigs were brought to life by the talented animation team at Walt Disney produced by Jerry Bruckheimer Films. Hoyt Yeatman makes his directorial debut who previously worked as visual effects supervisor and has done a number of special visual effects for different films. Some of these include everything from Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983) to The Abyss (1989). The film was also distributed by Walt Disney Pictures.
This was aimed at a targeted family audience, and that is exactly who should watch this film. It was meant to be enjoyed with your friends and family, especially younger children who would appreciate these giggling guineas and their antics on screen. With this setup it was easy to see why children would be lured into the theater to see this, and dragging their parents along for the ride. Many critics however felt this film could have been better.
The film has such as great visual appeal, lots of explosions and things flying around. Towards the ending the giant robot machine animation was simply amazing, all the different pieces of metal moving around forming this giant robotic beast.
What was interesting was the concept of these small creatures that have James Bond-like ability using gadgets and technology and of course the fact they could talk. Along the way, you see them interact with one another through clever scenarios which added to this fast paced storyline. It isn’t really complicated and has a somewhat predictable ending.
But don’t get me wrong, this shouldn’t detract you from seeing this film, there was some nice voice-over work done by Sam Rockwell as Darwin the Guinea Pig, Penélope Cruz who lends her voice as Juarez the Guinea Pig, Tracy Morgan from SNL (Saturday Night Live) is the voice of Blaster the Guinea Pig, Jon Favreau is the voice of Hurley the Guinea Pig, Steve Buscemi is the voice of Bucky the Hamster, Nicolas Cage is the voice of Speckles the Star-Nosed Mole, and Dee Bradley Baker is the voice of Mooch the Fly.
The acting by Bill Nighy as Leonard Saber was pretty good although there was nothing complex about his character. Will Arnett plays Kip, Zach Galifianakis as Ben did a nice job I thought, Kelli Garner plays Marcie who fit the part of an intellectual type nerdy girl, Niecy Nash plays Rosalita, Loudon Wainwright III plays Grandpa Goodman, Tyler Patrick Jones plays Connor Goodman, Piper Mackenzie Harris plays Penny Goodman, Chris Ellis plays the FBI Director, Gabriel Casseus plays Carter, and Justin Mentell plays Terrell.
Let’s face it, these furry creatures were the stars of this film and it held up to being an enjoyable experience, I would recommend this to others.
Here is an oldie, but it was quite worth the watch. There are a number of fine performances in this one, as it seems to capture some nostalgia from the 1960’s, while showing the mid 1980’s as well. It’s no wonder this film was a standout with the directorial efforts of Francis Ford Coppola at the helm. The screenplay and story was written by both Jerry Leichtling and Arlene Sarner. Their collaborative efforts really seemed to work well for this production.
The leading character Peggy Sue is played by veteran actress Kathleen Turner – as she steps into the shoes of this rather interesting character. It was a tricky role to play, and she had to make it seem believable as she gets hoisted away back in time, but she had no problem convincing the audience with her performance. Nicolas Cage plays her boyfriend and future husband Charlie Bodell. He was equally fantastic in his role.
There are more people in this you will recognize as their careers were on the rise including a much younger Jim Carrey playing Walter Getz. Also keep your eyes open for Joan Allen as Maddy Nagle. Catherine Hicks appears in this as Carol Heath; Barry Miller plays the nerdy Richard Norvik, Kevin J. O’Connor plays the wild poet Michael Fitzsimmons, Delores Dodge is played by Lisa Jane Persky, Lucinda Jenney plays Rosalie Testa, Wil Shriner is played by Arthur Nagle, Barbara Harris is played by Evelyn Kelcher, Don Murray is played by Jack Kelcher, Leon Ames plays Barney Alvorg, Maureen O’Sullivan plays Elizabeth Alvorg and keep your eyes open for Sofia Coppola as she plays Nancy Kelcher.
Both Peggy and Charlie face different issues in their lives, which include finances and infidelity. They have to realize what is best for them and their family. It was rather creative showing the meeting of their relationship and their social life with friends and family.
I liked the choice for music in the film; it really went well playing throughout selected scenes. Some people consider this film to be a contemporary classic. It certainly is a standout film and very remember able. Check this one out when you get the chance!
This movie was fun filled action with a creative storyline and solid characters to boot directed by Lee Tamahori. It had loads of adventure and interesting scenes for leading actor Nicolas Cage as Cris Johnson who had the unique gift of insight being able to see into the future for a brief period of time. If I remember correctly, he could see 3 minutes into the future. This allowed him to avoid certain things that would otherwise kill or injure him.
The premise went like this, when he was much younger the government tried to contain his unique ability and use it for their tactical military advantage. He was tested and probed in a psychological sense. This lead to anger and resentment towards the government and he then later avoided them by hiding out as a magician in a stage show.
As fate would have it, the government agent played by the lovely Julianne Moore as Callie Ferris finds him eventually and then demands for his help. He is reluctant to give her any assistance; they are then determined to force him to help by capturing him. The story can go either way from this point – you will have to watch and see. But there is another side story with another lovely actress named Jessica Biel from the television series “7th Heaven” who at first doesn’t trust Cage’s character Cris, but eventually she comes around. The rest of the story follows in an entertaining way I recommend this one.
