More of a kid-flick than "Antz"

Rating: 9/10 (3 May 1999)

"A Bug's Life" is clearly oriented more toward children than is "Antz." The story is more kid-accessible, and the characters as well as the overall style have a much higher "cute" factor. (For example, consider the fundamental decision to make the ants in "A Bug's Life" light blue and lavender, while comparable characters in "Antz" are more mundane shades of brown.) The central and supporting characters are a varied assortment of different insects, which makes for easy identification and increased toy sales. The voice casting is a delight: Phyllis Diller is an absolute hoot as the ant queen; Kevin Spacey embodies sheer villainy as the head grasshopper meanie; David Hyde-Pierce gives dry voice to a worldly, jaded walking-stick. Gary Rydstrom's sound design is remarkably rich and detailed, putting the viewer right in the middle of each meadow, underground anthill, and grasshopper swarm. The story makes some of the same points concerning individuality and cooperation as does "Antz," and they are no less meaningful (although perhaps a bit less original) for having been heard before. If possible, Pixar's animation is even better than PDI's outstanding work in "Antz." Exterior shots are unbelievably detailed, with single leaves visible being blown by wind in the trees and individual clusters of clover leaves weaving and bending as the bugs hop across them. "A Bug's Life" is a riotous, rollicking roller-coaster ride of a flick. I saw it in a theater full of families with kids, and a good time was had by all. The hilarious "outtakes" over which the end credits roll are an especially imaginative touch.