Babe (1) (1995) -
This film was actually quite dark right from the beginning and throughout. It had me wondering whether it was suitable for kids, but I realised that actually the harshness was supposed to be a lesson for them in the same way that it was in the book, which I was read at school and didn't seem to bother me.
It was almost cartoon like in its production values, which I liked, because it also gave it a sort of a cheery glow and fun about it, but like 'The Borrowers' (1997) it was a tad Americanised and somewhat corny as a result. And the daughter and son-in-law were just awful actors. Mrs Hoggett was a bit dodgy too.
James Cromwell on the other hand was superb and I could see why he was Oscar nominated for his character here. He must have been born looking old though.
The animatronics and other special effects were very good for 1995 and I really did feel for Babe at times. It was funny how they managed to get him to emote so well with such simple expressions.
All in all it seemed like an odd conglomerate of elements from around the world. Filmed in New Zealand, set in England with an American way of things, it maybe lacked the full polish that it could have had, but there were only a couple of moments that stood out as bad. In general the story was sweet and fun and entertaining.
I can see it being a pleasure for families to watch together for still many more years yet to come, because despite its slightly old fashioned settings and characters it also managed to be somewhat timeless too.
684.11/1000.
This film was actually quite dark right from the beginning and throughout. It had me wondering whether it was suitable for kids, but I realised that actually the harshness was supposed to be a lesson for them in the same way that it was in the book, which I was read at school and didn't seem to bother me.
It was almost cartoon like in its production values, which I liked, because it also gave it a sort of a cheery glow and fun about it, but like 'The Borrowers' (1997) it was a tad Americanised and somewhat corny as a result. And the daughter and son-in-law were just awful actors. Mrs Hoggett was a bit dodgy too.
James Cromwell on the other hand was superb and I could see why he was Oscar nominated for his character here. He must have been born looking old though.
The animatronics and other special effects were very good for 1995 and I really did feel for Babe at times. It was funny how they managed to get him to emote so well with such simple expressions.
All in all it seemed like an odd conglomerate of elements from around the world. Filmed in New Zealand, set in England with an American way of things, it maybe lacked the full polish that it could have had, but there were only a couple of moments that stood out as bad. In general the story was sweet and fun and entertaining.
I can see it being a pleasure for families to watch together for still many more years yet to come, because despite its slightly old fashioned settings and characters it also managed to be somewhat timeless too.
684.11/1000.