As seen from the emptiness of posts on my blog, and the lack of comment replies, I’m a bit unfocused at the moment. Maybe it’s the grey weather, maybe it’s the lack of sleep, but maybe it’s just me being grumpy with old age. Anyway, this week’s theme at least gave me a chance to think about the happier moments in life. Those moments in animated movies that feel very grown up and adult. By the way, I don’t know if my picks are definitely geared towards adults, but I feel like these movies have very adult-like qualities to them.
1. ZOOTOPIA (2016)
This animation surprised the hell out of me and I’m so glad that I finally watched it. Filled with great laughs, good character development and that DMV scene, Zootopia is very suitable for adults! Hell, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say it’s geared towards adults, especially since I hardly think a child would understand the utterly brilliant poke at the DMV system by showcasing the employees as sloths. So in case you still haven’t seen it, watch it now, and you won’t be disappointed.
2. MONSTERS, INC. (2001)
Sure, I could pick any other animation that would fit this week by randomly finding a connection to its appeal to adults, but I wanted to praise Monsters, Inc. for various reasons. First, I love it. Secondly, I recently rewatched it and it was as brilliant and funny as I remembered. And what can be more adult than the concept of fear powering the city? I mean, politically, that just sounds vaguely familiar even now.
3. THE EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE (2000)
The first movie that came to mind with this theme was The Emperor’s New Groove, an animation not many talk about, and I discovered maybe like 5 years ago? It’s hilarious! It’s a bit meta and completely bonkers which is why I think it’s perfectly aimed and geared for adults. Probably and possibly one of my all time favourite animations to be honest, it’s just that funny and great.
THIS SERIES IS CREATED BY WANDERING THROUGH THE SHELVES
0
I initially found The Emperor’s New Groove to be just okay, but after multiple viewings, it started to grow on me. I really liked Yzma; she was a funny villain.
I think it grows on you more after a certain time.. and that chase sequence is brilliant in so many ways!
I like the way you went with this. Zootopia definitely had themes geared towards adults. That’s why I liked it so much, I never thought I’d go to an animated film my four year old wanted to see and come back with so much.
Thanks! I feel like so many kid-oriented-animations hide very grown up elements into them to appeal to the parents, and it’s just really smart and exciting to see that happening.
Zootopia really is I think one of my favourite films of all time :’)
Scribbled
Zootopia is a really good choice because it doesn’t have many adult moments. I haven’t seen Monsters, Inc. yet but it’s on my list and I haven’t even heard of the last film.
Ack, I’m hopeless this week having seen almost nothing of anyone’s picks. I’m not that surprised really since animated films aren’t my thing. I actually watch my second two choice specifically to have enough for the week. Unfortunately that bit me since I hated both!! But my first is a good one.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988)-Schlubby private eye Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins) is hired by R.K. Maroon (Alan Tilvern) a cartoon producer to investigate an adultery scandal involving Jessica Rabbit (Kathleen Turner), who isn’t bad she’s just drawn that way, wife of Maroon’s biggest star, Roger Rabbit (Charles Fleischer). Things heat up even more when owner of Toontown Marvin Acme (Stubby Kaye), Jessica’s supposed lover, is found murdered, the evil Judge Doom (Christopher Lloyd) vows to catch and destroy Roger. Excellent blend of animation and actors with Kathleen Turner by way of Veronica Lake doing sensational voice work.
Cool World (1992)-A prisoner Jack Deebs (Gabriel Byrne) has created a comic book universe from his cell and one day finds himself sucked into it where he discovered not only another trapped human Frank Harris (Brad Pitt) but his lascivious creation Holli Would (Kim Basinger) who tries to entice Jack by ANY means so that she can cross over to the human world and with her a Pandora’s Box of cartoon depravity. Ugly leering film of value only to see Pitt working his way up.
A Scanner Darkly (2006)-Stupid hodgepodge about an undercover cop trying to bust a drug cartel but coming under the influence of the drug he becomes a test subject himself…or something like that. The hook here is that the movie was filmed with actors (Keanu Reeves, Wynona Ryder and Woody Harrelson among them) and then retro scoped with animation. It wasn’t worth it, all concept and little entertainment.
Great picks! I haven’t seen Emperor’s New Groove, but you can’t go wrong with Monsters Inc and Zootopia. 😀