Marco (2005)

*Marco* is an 2005 3D Marcanese-American computer animated action comedy spy buddy film produced by Actors 3D Entertainment, Anaya Animation, and Sony Pictures Imageworks for Columbia Pictures under Sony Pictures Releasing; and was directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller from a screenplay by Marcus Joshua-Linus. *Marco* was released to theaters February 16, 2005 and received universal acclaim from critics and audiences alike, whom consider it to be one of the best animated films of all time. The film was also a box office hit, grossing a total of $983 million over a $67 million budget.

## Why It's Great

1. Near-perfect animation/visuals that are both mind-blowing and breathtaking to the point where it looks very photorealistic, especially for 2005 standards; also considering it being the first ever computer-animated film from Sony, who would later make itself a big name in computer animation with Sony Pictures Animation.
2. The film has not only one concept, but two: "what would kids do if their parents aren't home?" and "what if kids could be anything adults usually do for a living?" and the film's execution of said concepts is very brilliant.
3. Decent plot that's understandable yet somewhat original: after their huge party gets ruined, Marco and his friends must find the suspects and stop them from taking over the world before their parents return home.
4. Lovable characters that are highly memorable, especially Marco & his friends. And, speaking of Marco, he has shown the most proper character development in the film: he starts off as an self-centered megalomaniac who only wanted to become popular since everyone rejected him at first but later becomes sympathetic to other people's needs while still trying to be kind. The same goes for other characters like Pohlino, who use
5. Excellent, fast-paced action scenes such as the flea market scene and the film's climax scene.
6. It has really great morals about never giving up, the importance of family and friends, caring/showing kindness for one another, and teamwork. The film also makes the point that if we gain mutual understanding of each other with God's help, then we would eliminate most of the misery and evil in this world.
7. The film isn't even afraid to show Christian morals and values in a children's comedy film, and fully respects Christian culture while also being an animated film for both Christians and non-Christians alike.
8. Very funny, hysterical comedy that appeals to both kids and adults.
9. Amazing and catchy soundtrack composed by Heitor Periera.
10. The villains are entertaining: Joe is hilarious and has memorable lines, while Alondra makes for an intimidating main antagonist. Their motives are also understandable, since both were rejected from their former friends and their parents constantly forget about their birthdays.
11. Very heartwarming moments throughout the film, such as when Marco had to rescue the girls and his interactions with other characters such as Pepe, Kevin & Marlene, and Aileene. There's also emotionally sad moments, too, such as the scene where Marco watches his grandparents getting buried on a VHS tape and his sad backstory.
12. The voice acting is superb (with an ensemble cast of Will Smith, Robin Williams, Mel Brooks, Sandra Bullock, Danny DeVito, etc.) and even the supporting cast is strong.
13. The script for the film is very entertaining and well-written, as it has hilarious lines like "you've got to be kidding me..." and "ah, shame on you, fish!"
14. Joaquin & Emiliano and the kids are great comic reliefs. Kevin has a good sense of humor, too.
15. The film started the much-beloved *Marco* franchise, which spawned 3 sequels, a spin-off, two TV shows, and more.
16. The character designs are decent yet nice to look at.
17. The film pays a huge homage to *James Bond*, *Mission: Impossible, Spy Kids, Men In Black,* and other spy movies. The film also has lots of clever pop culture references to many blockbuster hits such as *Star Wars, Back To The Future, Ben-Hur, Grease,* and *Spider-Man* as well as iconic animated films like *Toy Story, Shrek, Aladdin, The Emperor's New Groove,* and *The Nightmare Before Christmas,* among others. There's even some references to anime/manga culture such as *Astro Boy* and the *Tekken* series.