ANTZ

"Unique and imaginative in its concept, Antz is a delight, loaded with wit, style and charm. It’s a joyous ride into the structured world of these endearing insects, where workers, drones, soldiers and queen all take their place. Yet the emotions and sensibilities are all human, and we can relate to them beautifully. Technically, there’s plenty to ogle at, but it’s the key role voiced by the irrepressible Woody Allen, that makes this tale of the individual versus the system, an enticing foray into a world about which most of us will never have fantasised – not like this, anyhow. From the very beginning when Z ant is contemplating his insecurities on the therapist’s couch, Antz is a film that involves, delights and amuses. Allen and the ant are one – it is hard to separate them, and it’s not hard to believe the role was written for him. There are plays on words, the use of carefully chosen, relevant music and the casting of a most impressive line up of talent. Sharon Stone, seductive as the princess; Sly Stallone, distinctive tones bring pathos; Jennifer Lopez, alluring. The themes comprise loyalty, duty, ambition and accomplishment, and we are barracking for the workers all along. Antz is a stunning escape, a marvellous use of cinematic animation skills that buzz from concept to execution. For lovers of great ideas, executed with pizzazz and panache, Antz is the critter of the season."
Louise Keller

"Antz is a hoot of a film, a masterfully crafted, computer-animated piece of cinematic artistry that is hilariously funny and totally engaging. Animation has often been relegated to children's cinema, but Antz is no kids' film: it is a sharply observed, dialogue-driven piece, not only visually astounding, but also brilliantly written. The film has been tailor-made for its vocal talents. Of course, the film belongs to Woody, and his opening sequence - in which he's lying on a leaf bitching and moaning about his plight to his shrink - sets the witty and comical tone of this fascinating fable. Antz is a film about conformity, power, the weak being trampled by those perceived as being superior, it's about revolution, heroism and social order. All of these themes have been perfectly interwoven throughout less than 80 minutes of screen time. The animated characters, all creatively engineered by computer, have been designed to fit the various personae of the voice actors, and the similarities are remarkable. Apart from Allen, whose scene-stealing performance represents some of his finest comedic work, Sharon Stone is terrific as the feisty, spoiled princess, Gene Hackman makes for an imposing villain, and Sly Stallone is a revelation as the soldier who ends up falling for Jennifer Lopez’ cute little ant. Visually, Antz is spectacular, with the crowd sequences among the most cinematically exciting. But most of all, Antz is a witty comedy which adult audiences will revel in. It is a fresh, exciting and truly entertaining film with some potent themes thrown in."
Paul Fischer