A nice change of pace

Rating: 8/10 (5 October 1999)

I went into "Antz" expecting a Disney-like animated effort, but while this was definitely not what I had anticipated, it was no less entertaining than a typical Disney picture. Refreshingly, this was more sophisticated than most animated features, and I can only assume that adults may have enjoyed this more than the kids. While it is lacking in zany humor and outrageous characters that are standard in many animated films, it still succeeds thanks to a more cerebral approach that includes more subtle comedy, as well as some surprisingly graphic (but effective) violence. The film was also helped by some terrific casting decisions, and an ending that was especially great. All in all, this isn't the best animated film that I've ever seen, but it's one of the most satisfying.