Marco: The Most Popular Animated Film Of All Time

What two cousins are both Hispanics, somewhat gibberish, and love chewing any type of candy? Joaquin & Emiliano, of course! These funny little guys appear in Anaya Animation's most beloved franchise and have won the hearts of many people across the globe with their signature wry gags. But of course there's something more about this film than these two mischievous kiddos and their friends. And besides, have you ever wondered if your kids could do anything you cannot usually do?

Having its roots traced back in the 90s, Sony's CG-animated espionage comedy *Marco* is about the most talented genius mastermind of espionage who goes by Marco (aka Little James Bond or Polo, voiced by SNL's Bill Hader) with big dreams - and even bigger ambitions - as he stops at nothing to become the world's greatest spy despite him being treated like ridicule and having eczema on his left arm. As the most ambitious of egomaniacs, he summons his countless army of had been innocent children to present them his latest devious scheme: stealing the whole entire world, literally. However, family time gets very demanding for him, so then he decides to throw off some huge party for his homies while this Jimmy Neutron goes off to carry some heist involving the world's most powerful and coolest arm: the ultimate Mega Gun. But - oh no - his snobby nemesis Joe (Jason Segel) steals it from his hands and decides to take over the world in a different way with his bossy girlfriend Alondra (Sandra Bullock); and besides, they had also ruined Marco's huge party too. With the help of his trusty bro Pepe and sister Isabella (Will Smith & Emma Stone respectively) and his other friends from the same neighborhood; Marco seeks truth behind the party crash, attempts to get back the secret weapon, and together they save the world from these two bullies before their worried parents return home; all while putting aside his own problems.

Perfectly blending high quality photorealism with crazy Hanna-Barbera gag quantity and plenty of Nickelodeon vibes, *Marco* is sure the best thing to ever come out of some semi-competent studio named Sony Pictures. It is also the most successful and highly profitable animated film from the same studio who would later bring you the *Cloudy* movies and *Hotel Transylvania* in the next few years, courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation. As the *New York Times* describes this film, *Marco* is very successful because it is "about a somewhat deplorable kid named Marco and his plan of actually stealing the whole entire world for the sake of popularity - something that we as humans must take consideration nowadays", but what Marco really does is stealing our precious hearts for good instead of the cruel hostile world we all live in - but hey, nobody's perfect, not even Marco himself.

The whole point is: this film serves as the pinnacle of animated movies and Anaya Animation's magnum opus thanks to its lovable yet recognizable characters like Marco & his beloved buddies, a brilliant script from Lord & Miller that includes awesome *James Bond*-inspired action with off-the-wall hysterical *Looney Tunes*-esque sight gags, and surprisingly moving Pixar-style emotional depth. Not only that, but this CG-animated spy flick also serves as a huge homage to *James Bond* and the world of cinema as a whole, chock full of pop culture references to the most iconic films of the last century and even the most beloved animated movies like *Toy Story* and *Shrek*; and even pop culture itself, as we have more references to several well-known video games, anime/manga culture, and famous pop stars like Michael Jackson & Brittney Spears. As numerous as the film's pop culture gags and sheer product placement, Marco's kids are described by BuzzFeed as "silly yet highly competent diverse human beings who show kindness to the people around them despite their short statures and cravings for nonstop mischief mayhem" and the other characters in this film each have their own uniquely defined personalities: such as the genial yet funny Kevin (voiced by the late Robin Williams); the artsy independent and resourceful Aileene (Renee Zellweger); and of course Marco, who is by far the most expressively cool CG cartoon ever made aside from being the most wonderful weirdo of all time. He's also someone with a huge heart whose pure awkwardness and infectious charm make him the most valued oddball among his friends, and of course he likes being different no matter what other people think of him, even if he considered himself as the world's greatest spy. At first, Marco gently pushes his friends & family aside and uses them as devices who could help him carry out his career goals as a megalomaniacal spy, but soon he realizes that they are a true blessing for him as he solely dedicates them to an entertaining Field Day that's as fun as watching Pepe eating his last donut, afterwards a silently cool Nativity night, camping near the Texas Hill Country, and later attending the pastor's wedding. Just like *The Emperor's New Groove,* most of the film's dry jokes are worth several big laughs; among them Kevin's slow electric shopping cart driving skills, Marco's failed attempts at getting back the Mega Gun, Joe's sheer narcissism along with his crazy creative arsenal, and Joaquin & Emiliano's gags of course. However, the most delicate aspect of this whole entire film would be its emotional core, since here we see animation's most depressing and happiest moments that include Marco's heretofore-unknown grandparents getting buried via VHS tape and Marco being constantly rejected by the same girl who took away her own anime book from his hands, to the melancholy tune of Randy Newman's "I Will Go Flying No More". Besides that tearjerkingly sad song mentioned, the film has a brighter side to its soundtrack with hits like "Crazy Maniac" and "Don't Believe Me, Just Watch", two pop songs that would lift up your cheers before watching *Wheel Of Fortune* with your desired choice of Coke after this film; or if you want something more like Christian rock, here you are more than welcome to take the "Highway To Heaven" with your ensemble buds. Even this film has achieved something more special that no other animated film but *The Prince Of Egypt* could ever achieve: that is representing Christian cinema in the most superb way and making it seem more proficient compared to other endless film genres, while also providing the audience an engaging story about little espionage agents who learn the importance of family and friendship in their lives. Marco ended up being very successful as both a spy and a child because of his never-give-up attitude along with his sympathy and kindness towards others, much in part by his fear of God and his parents. Everything about this once underrated gem is pure amazing gold despite its tumultuous production issues and crazy marketing campaign involving Marco's endlessly merchandisable cousins, and all this is what makes *Marco* so darn popular and special nowadays.