Computeropolis

***Computeropolis*** is 2004 American 3D computer animated science fiction action comedy film produced by Universal Animation for Universal Pictures. It is 7 animated feature in Universal Animated Features canon, as well as Universal 1 fully 3D computer animated film. Film was directed by Audel LaRoque from screenplay by Thomas Lennon and story by LaRoque and Michael Wildshill, and star voices of Jesse McCartney, David Spade, Kelsey Grammer, Dan Fogler, David Hyde Pierce, Jodi Benson, Jon Lovitz, with Jennifer Tilly, and William Shatner. It follow young computer game designer name Peri Dazz, who attempts to publish his own game to internet and stumbles upon Eponymous Online Universe deep inside realms of his computer. While find way to return home, Peri join Nicky Kickzoo, protagonist of game, on risky mission to eliminate King Trojan, virus capable of corrupting entirety of global system.

LaRoque envisioned story in 1997, which was based on his dream of himself find computer that suck him into computer world. He then began developing film after production had finish on *Paint World* and wrote original story with Wildshill to pitch it to Universal, with Lennon writing screenplay. Follow Lennon 1 draft, Gary Hall, John France, and David Silverman were brought in to reconstruct 3 act and additional material, while latter was select to direct. Universal animation team drew inspiration for *Computeropolis* urban design from major cities including New York City, Seattle, and London. John Debney and Heitor Pereira compose film score.

*Computeropolis* premiere at Fox Village Theater on June 27, 2004, and was release in US on July 2, 2004. It received universal acclaim from critics and was box office success, grossing $68 million worldwide on it $5 million budget, making it 4 Highest Grossing Film Of 2004. *Computeropolis* won 2004 Annie Award for Voice in Animated Feature Production for David Spade, for his voice performance as Nicky Kickzoo, and was also nominated for Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, but lost to Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar *Incredibles*. Film success help spawn Expanded Franchise, with 3 sequels, *Computeropolis 2*, *Computeropolis 3*, and *Deep Web* and TV Series.

## Plot

Peri Dazz is 14 year old computer living with his parents Heather Dazz and Earl Dazz. 1 week, Peri parents leave town, leaving him alone in house. For while, Peri is bored until he come up with idea for his own computer game. Once he finish, Peri transfers game file into an exe. file and open up GameGenius to upload it. However, when he open up internet, he discovers ad of website call Computeropolis with download link. When he clicks on link, computer has blind white flash that begins to suck up random things in room. Peri tries to escape, but fails and get suck in.

Peri discovers Online City deep inside realms of his computer. However, he is caught by 2 internet officers name Paul And Frank, who take him to lab where he is increased by PC Chip, which allow Peri to use desktop menu from his point of view. After he is finish get test at lab by using mouse cursor, Peri meet Nicky Kickzoo, enterprising scavenger hunter who is character Peri create for his game. Nicky initially despises Peri, who want to get back home, but end up taking him along.

Duo arrives at Desktop Component League, organization department company headed by CEO Manager Marc to fund his research, their duties as upholders of law range from capturing to protect city of Computeropolis. There, Marc order Peri and Nicky to capture King Trojan, virus capable of corrupting entirety of global system. During their mission, Peri and Nicky meet Travis, fat, video game obsessed kid who knows Peri from GameGenius and join heroes to stop Trojan. However, they are captured by Trojan and his oafish mean spirited minion Milo and transports them to Trojan Lair.

At Trojan Lair, they see how viruses are create. Then, Peri, Nicky, and Travis manage to escape while Trojan minions chase them. Heroes succeed, but Peri forget to upload to GameGenius, as he already has file of game on his computer. Nicky convinces him to visit GameGenius, confident that Peri game will get popular once it is published. When they arrive at site, GameGenius user learn that game will not be published due to negligent issues. Peri accuses Nicky of attempting to lie without tell him about issue. Then rest of DCL arrives, with Marc ask Peri and Nicky if they caught Trojan, he is still there and tell them that he is going to wipe out entire city using viruses.

Outraged, Marc accuses Peri and Nicky of lying to him about capturing Trojan. Nicky admits he thought that if Peri spent time with him, he would befriend him. Peri leave to find his home so his parents will be home in no time by end of week. Then Clippit, intelligent user interface for Microsoft Office, appears and Peri ask him which way is his house. Then Clippit take Peri to portal which lead him back home.

Back home, Peri happens upon screen say that his game is successfully published to GameGenius. DCL offers to reinstate Nicky, but he refuses, and instead, he confessed to Clippit that he cheat, just as he is alert to Peri break in. Realizing what happened, Nicky defies Clippit and enter same portal. Nicky find Peri sit outside of his house and tell him that Trojan is going to destroy Computeropolis by using capable of viruses. Shock, duo rush back to computer in Peri room and Peri open up Computeropolis file that Peri download before, heroes then get suck into computer and lead them to Computeropolis.

Peri, Nicky, Travis, and rest of DCL fight Trojan and Milo. Trojan return for final confrontation to kill boy. However, DCL manages to download antivirus program for Peri computer, causing Trojan and Milo to disintegrate into digital pixel dust. Citizens of Computeropolis cheer for Peri, Nicky, and DCL for wiping out Trojan, but Peri realizes that it is end of week so he had to get back home in time when his parents arrive there. Peri use portal that lead him back home. Back home again, his parents Heather and Earl return home and Peri explains to them what happened. They at 1 did not believe Peri due to his imagination during his childhood, but Peri is not making this up, and then, they finally believe him. Sometime later, Peri return to Computeropolis to spend time with Nicky and rest of DCL.

## Voice cast

*Main article: List of Computeropolis characters*
* Jesse McCartney as Percy Anthony "Peri" Dazz, a 14-year-old computer game designer. As "Peri" is actually a feminine name, LaRoque originally wanted to change his name to "Perry", but he decided to "get it over with". In the UK releases of the film, Peri was renamed as "Perry" to avoid any references to a colloquial term in the United Kingdom for a peripatetic teacher. Peri is also renamed "Perry" in the Japanese dub as well.
* David Spade as Nicky Kickzoo, a street-wise scavenger hunter and a character Peri created for his *Frenzy* game.
* Kelsey Grammer as King Trojan, an evil virus who plans to destroy the entire internet and Peri's computer.
* Dan Fogler as Travis, a clumsy, happy, hyperactive, happy-go-lucky, and overweight user from GameGenius.com who is one of Peri's friends.
* David Hyde Pierce as Manager Marc, the leader and founding member of the Desktop Component League (DCL).
* Jodi Benson as Commander Cindy, a DCL member who has a command-line interface laptop that interacts with her.
* Jon Lovitz as Notepad Ned, a DCL member obsessed with writing on a notepad.
	+ Lovitz also voices Paul, one of the two internet officers who try to arrest Peri.
* Jennifer Tilly as Painting Paula, a DCL member and a talented painter.
* William Shatner as Frank, one of the two internet officers who try to arrest Peri.
* Harland Williams as Milo, King Trojan's oafish henchman.
* Audel LaRoque as Media Player Mike, a blind, purple-haired DCL member who does not speak but only makes music and sound effects. LaRoque provided vocal sounds for the character, though uncredited. The character's appearance sparked confusion among some viewers who thought the character was a female.
* Kari Wahlgren as Carol, a voice inside Peri's computer via Computeropolis.
* Michael Wildshill as Clippit, an intelligent user interface for Microsoft Office who annoys Peri and Nicky.
* Tress MacNeille as Heather Dazz, Peri's mother.
* Jeff Bennett as Earl Dazz, Peri's father.
* Chris Edgerly as Bill, a lab worker who increased Peri the PC Chip.
* Corey Burton as Sam, a lab worker who is Bill's assistant.

### Additional voices

* Jack Angel
* Bob Bergen
* Rodger Bumpass
* Jennifer Darling
* Debi Derryberry
* Paul Eiding
* Bill Farmer
* Michael Gough
* Gary Hall
* Thomas Lennon
* Sherry Lynn
* Danny Mann
* Mona Marshall
* Mickie McGowan
* Amy McNeill
* Brandon Minez
* Laraine Newman
* Phil Proctor
* Jan Rabson
* David Silverman
* Tom F. Warner
* Billy West

## Production

### Development

Audel LaRoque came up with concept for *Computeropolis* in 1997 during production of *Paint World*, in which LaRoque directed. He envisioned story where main character get suck into computer that lead them to metropolitan city made of software and technology. LaRoque original inspiration was from dream he had of himself find Windows 95 computer that suck him into computer world. LaRoque also took inspiration from *Tron*, where protagonist Kevin Flynn get transported inside world of mainframe computer, where he interacts with programs in his attempt to escape.

LaRoque began work on film with Michael Wildshill in 1999, short after *Paint World* finish production. In 2000, LaRoque had draft treatment with Wildshill that bore some resemblance to final film. LaRoque and Wildshill pitch story to Universal Studios through it Feature Animation Division with some initial artwork in that year. He and his story team left with some suggestions in hand and return to pitch refined version of story. Film was originally developed under title of *Frenzy*, but was change in order to distance it from Video Game With Same Name. In addition to *Frenzy*, other titles that had also been considered included *Cybertropolis*, *Computerville*, *Webtopia* and *Cyber City*, among others.

In 2000, *Los Angeles Times* report that LaRoque was work on then untitled project that would eventually become *Computeropolis*, albeit not else about film was know at time. In 2001, Universal revealed film title to be *Computeropolis*, then plan for release. In addition, it would be animated with 3D computer animation, rather than 2D traditional hand drawn animation that had been done with UFA 6 prior films. In 2002, production of film officially began, and David Silverman, who had quit his job at Pixar, join in same year to direct film with LaRoque. Film was produced concurrently with *Project Zero*, another animated film set partially inside computer, which was release 4 years before *Computeropolis*. Universal Feature Animation then president John Cohen who sign from studio when film was in production defended film, say that any similarities are coincidence. We been open with TjsWorld2011 people so we do step on each other toes.

### Writing

Thomas Lennon, who had just finish work on *Galaxion*, was attracted to write script for *Computeropolis*, and began developing treatment in 1999. In it early stages, story was very different from final film, in which character of Peri known at this stage as Gary was trap in computer, where he must stop Gill Bates parody of Microsoft founder Bill Gates from taking over world and kidnap computer princess name Viva who later became Painting Paula, love interest of Gary. Peri partner and game character, Nicky Kickzoo, had not yet been add. Through various drafts, Gary occupation went back and forth from being teen and from work for video game company, until his final incarnation as teen computer design.

*More coming soon!*

### Casting

During time, when Universal was look for young actor for voice role of Peri Dazz, Shia LaBeouf was considered for character. He screen test for role and was interested, but when Audel LaRoque was unable to make contact with him, he took it as no. In addition to LaBeouf, Zach Braff, who subsequently accept role of BJ Wilson in animated film, *BJ And Wally (2006)*, was also considered for role of Peri. LaRoque took role to Jesse McCartney, who was appear in daytime drama *All Your Children*, and he accept.

For role of Nicky Kickzoo, Nicolas Cage, Michael Keaton, Bobby Campo and James Franco were considered, but David Spade won role for his natural comedy. In 2003, it was announced McCartney and Spade were cast, along with other cast members including Kelsey Grammer, Dan Fogler, David Hyde Pierce, Jodi Benson, Jon Lovitz, Jennifer Tilly, and William Shatner.

Initially, LaRoque want Sigourney Weaver for voice of Carol. Weaver was approached about voicing character. However, in 2002, before production on animation began, Weaver left film due to being busy on other projects. Instead, she was replaced by Kari Wahlgren.

### Animation

*Computeropolis* was animated in house at Universal Feature Animation headquarters in Universal City, California.

*More coming soon!*

### Music

*Main article: Computeropolis/Soundtrack*
Film original score was compose by John Debney and Heitor Pereira who all had previously work on score of *Spy Kids*. It also marks 1 Universal animated film to be score by 2 compose. Soundtrack album was release on June 29, 2004, by Varese Sarabande.

## Release

*Main article: Computeropolis/Release dates*
*Computeropolis* premiere at Fox Village Theater on June 27, 2004, and open in theaters on July 2, 2004, in US and Canada. Film was rated PG by Motion Picture Association of America for action violence and some rude humor. According to LaRoque, he wanted film, along with some other Universal films, to be more target towards view of ages 8 10, similar to animated comedy series such as *Simpsons* and *Beavis And Butt Head,* but without violence, sexual and drug. In UK, it received PG rating by British Board of Film Classification for mild language, slapstick, and violence. In Australia, film was rated PG by Australian Classification Board.

### Marketing

Upon it release, Burger King had promo tie in with 7 toys including Peri Dazz, Nicky Kickzoo, King Trojan, Milo, Travis, Notepad Ned, and Media Player Mike with paid Kids Meal order. Ice cream chain Baskin Robbins, also promo film for it new Peri and Nicky Load Computeropolis ice cream that consists of Hershey chocolate, hot fudge, crushed chocolate cookies, whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

#### Trailers

* Film 1 teaser trailer was release on March 7, 2003, and was later shown in theaters with other films such as *Magina*, *Agent Cody Banks*, *Piglet Big Movie*, *Thieves And Kings*, *X2 (2003)*, *Lizzie McGuire Movie*, *Funtastic World*, *Daddy Day Care*, *Bruce Almighty*, *Story Of Secret Star System*, *Finding Nemo*, *Rugrats Go Wild, and High School Whenever Movie.*
* 2 teaser trailer was release in July 2, 2003, and was later release with *Legend Of 7 Seas*, *Curse Of Black Pearl*, *TeenV Movie*, *Johnny English*, *Game Over*, *Freaky Friday (2003)*, *Class Force*, *Darkest Riddle*, and *Dressing Robe*.
* 3 teaser trailer was release in October 10, 2003 and was shown with *Good Boy*, *Tony Tom Tom Delivery Service*, *Brother Bear*, *Elf*, *Back in Action*, *Cat In Hat*, *Haunted Mansion*, *Little Princess*, *Game Players*, *Dusk And Dawn*, *Cheaper By Dozen*, *Peter Pan*, and *Teacher Pet*.
* 1 theatrical trailer was release on March 5, 2004, and later was shown before *Pet Squadron*, *Destination London*, *Monsters Unleashed*, *Hellboy*, *Home On Range*, *Ella Enchanted*, *Book Club* and *Clifford Really Big Movie*.
* 2 theatrical trailer was release on May 7, 2004, and was release theatrical in front of *History Island*, *Shrek 2*, *Harry Potter And Prisoner Of Azkaban*, *Garfield*, *Around World In 80 Days*, *True Underdog Story*, *Steamin Hot*, *Your Treehouse*, and *Spider Man 2*.
* There were few TV spots for film, 1 1 was release in 2004, 2 1 was release in 2004, and 3 1 was release in 2004.

### Video game

*Main article: Computeropolis (video game)*
Video game based on film was release on June 29, 2004 on PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Game Boy Advance, PC, and Mac OS, as well as on mobile.

### Home media

*Computeropolis* was release on DVD and VHS on December 14, 2004. Both release included 5 minutes short film title *Print 3D Errors*, which take place after events of film. Film was best selling DVD in it initial week of release, selling over 500,000 copies and making over $1 million. It was also release on Game Boy Advance Video in 2005 and on PlayStation Portable in 2006. It was later release on Blu ray in NA on May 3, 2011, and on Blu ray 3D and Digital HD on February 10, 2015.

## Reception

### Box office

*Computeropolis* open on July 2, 2004, in US and Canada. It got to earn $8 during it open week, placing 1 in it box office during that week and set new records such as earn highest open week for sequel animated feature, and highest open for original Disney Pixar film. Film also earn highest grossing domestic debut for Universal Animation later overtaken by Sequel in 2007. By end of it theatrical run, *Computeropolis* grossed total of $6 worldwide, making it 2004 highest grossing Universal Pictures film and year 4 highest grossing film. It is also 2 highest grossing 2004 animated film behind *Shrek 2* $9 million.

### Critical reception

*Computeropolis* received widespread critical acclaim, becoming cult hit among critics upon release. On aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes, film has approval rating of 100% based on 169 reviews, with average rating of 7.7 10. Site critical consensus read, Having enough colorful animation, brilliant humor and action pack scene to compete, *Computeropolis* perfect live up to be hit on it own. On Metacritic, it received score of 100 out of 100, based on 73 critics, indicating universal acclaim.

Peter Travers of *Rolling Stone* gave film 4 out of 4 stars, say In it 1 3D computer generated feature, Universal Pictures offers audiences *Computeropolis* whole family could enjoy delight addition to company other classics with stop humor. Richard Corliss of *Time Magazine* praised David Spade as Nicky Kickzoo, stating that it gets even funny for his comic relief career that bring well know self for his life. Todd McCarthy of *Variety* like concept, also stating As directed by Audel LaRoque and David Silverman, *Computeropolis* has very engaging concept for movie taking place inside your computer.

Some critics have like *Computeropolis* to science fiction live action films such as *Tron* and *Matrix*; Jami Bernard of *New York Daily News* described film as *Toy Story* meet *Tron*. Kyle Smith of *New York Post* gave film 4 out of 4 stars, say that *Computeropolis* seem to duplicate usual animation look of Gabriel Garza, but was made using computer software and has truly amazing action sequences, charm, and humor with host of quirky characters such as Peri Dazz and Nicky Kickzoo. Charles Herold of *New York Times* sum up his review stating that *Computeropolis* is not only great kids and adults movie, but it is enthusiastic movie with perfect moments that live up to it plot as well as other Universal animated hits since *Ama And Mysterious Crystal* and *Paint World*.

Some critics, however, criticized some unexpected product placements of Microsoft Windows products such as Windows 95 98 and XP. Liam Lacey of *Globe And Mail* described *Computeropolis* as 90 minutes feature length commercial for Microsoft, while Stephen Hunter of *Washington Post* wrote that it was little more than exercise in advertising PC download to children. Bill Muller of *Arizona Republic* stated, While not as bad as say, *Mac And You*, Universal *Computeropolis* sometimes has overuse of Microsoft products, but tries hard enough to appeal fans who may be puzzle by movie visual disconnect. Mark Caro of *Chicago Tribune* considered Peri quote as clever reference to 90 Microsoft slogan.

## Sequels

*Main article: Computeropolis (franchise)*
*Computeropolis* was follow by 2 sequels, *Computeropolis 2* and *Computeropolis 3*. While 1 sequel received similar acclaim from critics, 3 film, however, got some mixed reviews, but was still box office hit. 4 installment, title *Deep Web*, was release on May 4, 2018.

## Spin-offs

### Television series

*Main article: Computeropolis: Adventures of Peri and Nicky*
## Transcripts

### Main

To see the main transcript of the film, click here.

### Trailers

To see the transcript for the trailers of the film, click here.

**Television:** *Computeropolis: Adventures of Peri and Nicky* • *Zola: Queen of the Deep Web*

**Upcoming:** *Luna & Zak: Lvl. 2* (2020) · *Earth Farm* (2021) · *Computeropolis: Webcation* (2021) · *Mechagirl* (2022) · *Paradoria 3* (2023)

**Upcoming:** *Sing 2* (2021) · *Minions: The Rise of Gru* (2022) · *Untitled animated Mario film* (2022 or 2023)

**Upcoming:** *Spirit Untamed* (2021) · *The Boss Baby: Family Business‎‎* (2021) · *The Bad Guys* (2022)

**Upcoming:** *Agent Chrysocolla* (2020) · *Cool Spot 2* (2021) · Untitled *Zina and the Vivid Crew* sequel (2023)