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Movies / On DVD / A Bug's Life
A Bug's Life

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A Bug's Life (1998)

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Reviews Counted:80

Fresh:73

Rotten:7

Average Rating:7.9/10

Consensus: A Bug's Life is a clever and enjoyable movie with great animation.

Runtime: 1 hr 36 mins

Genre: Education/General Interest

Synopsis: The computer animation crew at Pixar--the creators of TOY STORY--return with another feature rife with stunningly rendered worlds populated by cute critters you can't help but care about. The story... The computer animation crew at Pixar--the creators of TOY STORY--return with another feature rife with stunningly rendered worlds populated by cute critters you can't help but care about. The story is simple--an ant colony led by Flik (Dave Foley) seeks help from a flea circus and other insects in their struggles against the oppressive grasshopper bullies led by Hopper (Kevin Spacey). However, as with TOY STORY, there is as much for adults to enjoy here as there is for the kids. (In fact, the story is loosely based on Akira Kurosawa's classic SEVEN SAMURAI.) And don't miss the wonderful "outtakes" that roll with the closing credits! [More]

Starring: Dave Foley, Kevin Spacey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Phyllis Diller

Starring: Dave Foley, Kevin Spacey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Phyllis Diller, Richard Kind, John Ratzenberger, Jonathan Harris, Madeline Kahn, Denis Leary, David Hyde Pierce, Joe Ranft, Bonnie Hunt, Michael McShane, Roddy McDowall, Brad Garrett

Director: John Lasseter

Director: John Lasseter

[See More Credits]

Reviews for A Bug's Life

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1 - 20 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
Text View | 1 2 3 4 >> >|
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Pixel perfect.

Full Review Source: Time Out | comment Comment
06/24/06
Derek Adams
Derek Adams
Time Out
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Though not as deep, philosophical or vocally star-studded as Antz, Pixar's insect nation is every bit as eye-popping, and kids who don't love it are very likely to become zealous members of some future Trenchcoat Mafia.

Full Review Source: Empire Magazine | comment Comment
01/01/00
Kim Newman
Kim Newman
Empire Magazine
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Promotes the classic American ethos of individualism without seeming preachy or narrow-minded, creating characters we enjoy, a story that's fun and visuals that sparkle.

Full Review Source: Apollo Guide | comment Comment
06/17/09
Brian Webster
Brian Webster
Apollo Guide

pure joy--whimsical, funny, and downright entertaining

Full Review Source: Q Network Film Desk | comment Comment
05/29/09
James Kendrick
James Kendrick
Q Network Film Desk

A Bug's Life [is] sure to endure as a superb children's entertainment. [Blu-ray]

Full Review Source: Groucho Reviews | comment Comment
05/24/09
Peter Canavese
Peter Canavese
Groucho Reviews

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Decent Films Guide | comment Comment
10/29/08
Steven D. Greydanus
Steven D. Greydanus
Decent Films Guide

No review available.

comment Comment
10/18/08
Susan Stark
Susan Stark
Detroit News

The plot matures handsomely; the characters neatly converge and combust; the gags pay off with emotional resonance.

Full Review Source: TIME Magazine | comment Comment
09/01/08
Richard Corliss
Richard Corliss
TIME Magazine
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Doesn't merit much enthusiasm or indignation; it just skitters across your consciousness, leaving no traces except a vague depression.

Full Review Source: eFilmCritic.com | comment Comment
08/11/07
Rob Gonsalves
Rob Gonsalves
eFilmCritic.com

Full of adventure, spectacle, light romance, and the kind of suspense that doesn't require an unpredictable outcome to make your spine tingle.

Full Review Source: Chicago Reader | comment Comment
06/20/07
Lisa Alspector
Lisa Alspector
Chicago Reader

A classic. It's better than the last several Disney animated films. PIXAR has stated they want to be the second successful feature animation studio. They're already there.

Full Review Source: Film Threat | comment Comment
12/06/05
Ron Wells
Ron Wells
Film Threat

The witty dialog and contemporary humor keep things interesting and entertaining for the adults out there. The kids, even younger ones, have plenty to keep them occupied for 96 minutes.

Full Review Source: Reeling Reviews | comment Comment
04/09/05
Robin Clifford
Robin Clifford
Reeling Reviews

No review available.

comment Comment
04/02/05
Garth Franklin
Garth Franklin
Dark Horizons

Features some enchanting little insects and a very hummable Randy Newman song, The Time of Your Life.

Full Review Source: Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY) | comment Comment
06/28/04
Judith Egerton
Judith Egerton
Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY)

Of all of Pixar's films, it's the first and thus far only one whose pleasures are almost completely reserved for the diaper set.

Full Review Source: Film Freak Central | comment Comment
07/13/03
Walter Chaw
Walter Chaw
Film Freak Central

The animation is amazing from start to finish: a never-ending feast for the eyes.

Full Review Source: Film Blather | comment Comment
05/22/03
Eugene Novikov
Eugene Novikov
Film Blather

I see major box office returns, and millions more grinning fans, in Pixar's future.

Full Review Source: Palo Alto Weekly | comment Comment
05/14/03
Jeanne Aufmuth
Jeanne Aufmuth
Palo Alto Weekly

...Packed to the exoskeleton with fun.

Full Review Source: Film Quips Online | comment Comment
02/08/03
John R. McEwen
John R. McEwen
Film Quips Online

A hoot. Every bit as engaging and twice as clever as Toy Story, A Bug’s Life is a pure, computer-generated delight.

Full Review Source: Cincinnati Enquirer | comment Comment
10/15/02
Margaret A. McGurk
Margaret A. McGurk
Cincinnati Enquirer

While "A Bug's Life" is never less than pleasant and full of luscious Cinemascope visuals, coming on the heels of "Antz" it can't help but suffer in comparison...

Full Review Source: Kalamazoo Gazette | comment Comment
06/23/02
James Sanford
James Sanford
Kalamazoo Gazette
 
 
1 - 20 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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