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marksmith16
Reviews
Capitol Critters (1992)
The right show at the wrong time
'Capitol Critters' was one of those shows that couldn't compete with 'The Simpsons' and yet it was better animated and also very well written in places with plenty of risqué yet hilarious jokes. I found the show appealed to me because of the charming and serious drama scenes so very well going together with the jokes and comedy routines.
Perhaps 1992 wasn't the right time for it to come out; but if there was no Simpsons on the air at that time who knows whether it would have lasted longer than it did or not. The characters were certainly right for the time, and haven't aged at all. It doesn't tie itself to the 1990s so easily as some of it's contemporaries did; For example, The Simpsons (yep, them again!) 'Do The Bartman' scene was hip and trendy in 1991, but was clearly dated by the end of the decade; even the show itself pointed that out in one joke!
Capitol Critters' jokes were subtle in places and downright random in others, yet it all seemed to fit together nicely. Definitely not a kids show; more of a cartoon for adults ;) But I liked it.
Le roman de Renart (2005)
Great for the kids, good for everyone else who likes these sorts of films.
This film is one of those that I would imagine I'd have enjoyed a lot as a child. The animation is by no means world beating, but it is above average and the characters are all very likable. Some of the scenes are also surprisingly dark for such a bright and colourful adventure too, but it doesn't push the boat out too far.
Although the story is simple and straightforward, it was able to keep my attention held and I don't think it dragged on. The only real fly in the ointment was the 'Kung Fu Fighting' music number at the end, which did seem a bit random and out of place - but the use of that song certainly didn't rip off 'Kung Fu Panda' as this film came out several years earlier.
Overall, if you are a fan of cute animated films with animals as the characters, then I recommend you check out this film. Or if you are a parent of young children, I think it is definitely worth considering letting your kids watch this.
The Raccoons (1985)
One of the coolest cartoons ever
'The Raccoons' was one of my fave cartoons ever. Many of the episodes were great fun to watch, and Cyril Sneer made an excellent villain. My fave character bar none was and always has been Bert Raccoon, he just steals the show every time with his accident-prone antics! Many of the supporting characters do the show great justice too and the animation is well done for the time. It still looks nice today. The theme music is still as great as it was too.
Overall a very well executed series which has deservedly made DVD in Canada and the USA. All it needs now is a DVD release in the UK as well!
The Fox and the Hound (1981)
One of the better Disney films.
The first, and in my opinion the best of the 1980's Disney films. I first saw this shortly after it was released on VHS, back in 1996 I think. The last time I saw it was in 1999, I think. And I still wait for it to appear on terrestrial TV, with any luck. Although the story is nice and sometimes emotional, what I really like is the animation. It has the animators' dedication inside it, I can tell. The voice acting is superb, particularly from the likes of Kurt Russell, Jack Albertson and Mickey Rooney. The younger Tod and Copper are adorable to watch and are brilliantly animated and voiced, but the film is at a more oppressive side later on as they get older, and to good effect as well when they have to confront a large bear. The emotional scenes are well done indeed, enough to bring tears to anyone's eyes. Not the best movie in the world, but then again it doesn't need to be because it is still a good enjoyable animated family film. It's five years since I've seen it, but the magic and charm is still there, and I know I will be seeing it again someday. I don't know how or where, but I will see it again someday... Although the first half is a bit cutesy for some, I give it 9/10. So that means it is still well worth watching. Overall, a very nice film which is regrettably underrated.