A highly anticipated...flop

Rating: 1/10 (23 July 1999)

I had entered the theater with an open mind upon the opening of DreamWorks' initial animated feature, "Antz". Finally, I felt that there would be a perfect film for children. However, before the film was over, I was in a state of wonder how a film for children could be so inappropriate. Now, before you get "antzy" (sorry!), I'd like to note the entire toy collection of "Antz" figurines, clothing, action figures, and the like aimed at children under 7. In addition, the commercials for the film (which showed a festive dance and bright picnic scenery) were continually aired during young children's programs such as cartoons on FOX, NBC, ABC, etc. where only an imbecile wouldn't know that kids were watching. So naturally, any concerned parent would be skeptical over an MPAA rating of PG when the merchandise was aimed at a G audience.
The violence is quite appalling and the language pushes the PG rating. I don't disapprove of animated movies for adults (think Japanese anime), but when films can literally claim bloody murder and receive a PG rating, I find it completely and absolutely horrifying. When will film studios learn that a completely entertaining film can be created without profanity? Within every scene, the absolutely vulgar and horrific cast screams out a four letter word. Other family movies with PG ratings can produce quality work without uttering such pointless drivel such as "James and the Giant Peach", "Hook", and "Matilda". Compared to these traditional family films, "Antz" hardly measures up. And this barely touches upon the movie's punctured plot.
I was disappointed that such a promising company as DreamWorks would stoop so low to collect the final dollar. It's the parents which fork out the money for the film, most of which ADORE the violence and vulgarity...the perfect target. Where DreamWorks may have produced quality family fare, they spit out another traditional movie flop without the heart and warmth needed to be entertaining for the ENTIRE family.