Very seldom do you get a film that has talking animals in
combination with a plot that can hold the attention of anyone over the age of
10. G-Force is a film that I was not excited about seeing. I expected it to be
cute and safe but little more than that. What I failed to take in to
consideration was the Jerry Bruckheimer name. I should know by now that JB
seldom allows for mediocrity, even when dealing with talking moles and guinea pigs.
So what I discovered was a well developed, fantastic looking film that had as
much action as any film this summer; even if it was on a much smaller scale.
G-Force is the story of a group of highly trained rodents
(just don't call them that to their furry faces) who want more than anything to
be FBI Special Agents. In order to be taken seriously they attempt to
infiltrate a high profile, home electronics developer who seems to have a plot
to take over the world. But one botched mission and they find themselves on the
run from the bureau who now want them shut down and exterminated. With the help
of some pet store refugees they must fight their way back into action and save
the day.
I appreciated a few things about this live action flick. For
starters the animals aren't able to talk due to some freak of nature or
unexplainable phenom. There is a scientific, governmental piece of high tech
gear that enables them to be understood by humans. That I can believe.
Secondly, the writers didn't dumb down the plot or action. From the opening
scene it looks like a furry version of Mission Impossible. The plot is in-depth
and full of adult engaging scenarios. Having solid voicing from people who are
not normally associated with kids films (Sam Rockwell, PenČlope Cruz, Nicolas
Cage, Steve Buscemi and Tracy Morgan) helped out as well. From the get go I
took these little rodents seriously. Sure there are goofy kids moments that
will keep your little one engaged but the creators didn't settle for that. They
went all out to make a film the entire family could relate to and enjoy.
Don't get me wrong. There are several moments in this film
where you know they were going for the 8 and under laugh. Adults being
outsmarted by hamsters is never 100% full proof. But if the rest of the film
gives me something I can latch on to I am willing to share the screen time. G-Force
did that. The look alone is incredible. Shot in 3-D (a first for Bruckheimer)
the scenes explode with color and depth. Lots of onscreen graphics and high
tech gizmos combined with Special Forces action make great use of the 3-D
technology. If Bruckheimer does anything it is to bombard your optical senses
in everything he does. And he didn't fudge on that just to make a kids film.
G-Force is rated PG for some mild action and rude humor. The
rude humor comes mainly in the form of a very gassy guinea. This film is
perfect for the entire family and it has been a while since I was able to
recommend something for everyone. With a
run time of only 89 minutes, it moves quick and doesn't bog down with a lot of
non-sense. The film also stars Bill Nighy, Will Arnett, and Zach Galifianakis
in human form and each bring what you would expect. I also appreciate the fact
that they subtly bring up some serious animal rights concerns without being too
preachy. The message is there though and should be taken to heart along with
the rest. So says Matt Mungle
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