Writer-director John A Davis has one or two nice touches, but the film is disposable.
Comment
08/12/06
The Ant Bully (2006)
63
%
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:111
Fresh:70
Rotten:41
Average Rating:6.2/10
Consensus: Sometimes inventive and witty, this animated adventure into an ant-sized world is a pleasant diversion.
Theatrical Release:04-08-2006
Synopsis: A young boy learns the importance of teamwork and gains self-confidence in this animated feature written and directed by John A. Davis (JIMMY NEUTRON: BOY GENIUS), and based on the book by John... [More]
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Bruce Campbell, Paul Giamatti, Allison Mack
Director: John A. Davis
Reviews for The Ant Bully
Top CriticBesides keeping us entertained and occasionally thrilled, there's a nice sense that the film is actually saying something.
08/12/06
It all seems very workaday.
08/12/06
As kiddie entertainment it works well, with simple humour and lots of action. But there’s not a lot to appeal to any accompanying adults.
08/12/06
Top CriticJust another bug movie.
08/12/06
Top CriticKiddie-friendly toilet humour, a whiff of suspense and familiar voice actors make it passably entertaining, but there’s little warmth or emotional satisfaction to be had from its cynical characters.
08/12/06
Top CriticEnjoyable, brightly animated adventure with strong characters, superb gags and a script that isn't afraid to throw in a spot of political subtext.
08/12/06
Bruce Campbell provides a hint of carefree wiggle room when the rest of the production is controlled to within an inch of its life.
07/28/06
It may be too intense at times for wee ones, but kids of 5 and up testing the limits of their independence in the big world should relate to Lucas, dig the crazy insect world and embrace the imagination behind the colorful adventure.
07/27/06
The ant community resembles an ideal socialist collective as imagined by H. Rider Haggard.
07/28/06
The Ant Bully is a sore disappointment to anyone hoping for a turnaround to the recent downward quality spiral of animated films. In fact, this movie may represent a new nadir for 3D animation.
07/26/06
The only thing it inspired in me was a sudden urge to spray the screen with Raid.
08/06/06
Like the insect world it depicts, The Ant Bully, based on John Nickle's book, is neatly structured and cohesive, but a little small-scale.
07/28/06
Has an ace in its anthill...political allegory that separates this one from the pack.
07/27/06
The Ant Bully is lovely to look at but a headache to listen to.
07/24/06
Top Criticfirst-rate animation, dizzying action sequences, and masses of imagination, but no real heart
07/25/06
The film acknowledges that faith is an important part of our social fabric, and if the film has any moral lessons to pass on, it implicitly roots them in a spiritual foundation.
08/31/06
If we have to use insects to teach the value of cooperation, how about switching to bees for a change?
07/27/06
Achieves many surprising pleasures during its run, with its splendid animation bursting with a crispness of imagery that puts most of the stylings this year to shame.
07/27/06
...too many similarities to previous animations like Antz and the recent Over the Hedge often give The Ant Bully the feel of an also-ran.
07/30/06
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