A BUG'S LIFE

1998, Pixar
Animated
Rating: G
Approx. 96 mins.

THE STORY:
The neurotic Princess Atta (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is in training to take over the reigns of a thriving any colony from the retiring Queen (Phyllis Diller). Already completely lacking in confidence, Atta has two thorns in her side: Hopper (Kevin Spacey), leader of an evil grasshopper gang blackmailing the ants; and Flik (Dave Foley), an unconventional member of the ant colony.

Flik is an innovative dreamer in a community where being one of the crowd is the norm and a key to survival. Though well-intentioned, his efforts end up causing the ants to double the amount of grain they collect for the grasshopper gang in exchange for the latter's protection. Knowing it is an impossible task, Flik sets off in search of reinforcements.

He recruits a raggedy group of circus performer bugs whom he mistakes for "warriors." When he realizes his mistake, he tries to keep the secret from the other ants, especially Princess Atta, on whom he has a massive crush. He devises a plan to scare away the grasshoppers, but that is jeopardized when the "warriors's" true identities are revealed. 

Although Flik initially wants to remove himself from the community that has turned its back on him, he finds that he can't. He returns to rescue the ants, who have fallen mercy to the rapacious grasshopper gang. Ultimately, the inventiveness that makes it so hard for him to assimilate is what allows him to empower and save his colony.  

QUESTIONABLE LANGUAGE:

• idiot
• moron
• shut up
• stupid
• loser

VIOLENCE:

• grasshopper dramatically eaten by birds

TEACHING POINTS:

• There is strength in numbers; recognize your own strength
• Strong anti-bullying message
• Accept others as they are and you might be happily surprised

THE UPSHOT:
My 4 year-old absolutely loved this film. Everything about this film. 

It's hard to believe that it's 15 years old. In true Pixar fashion, A Bug's Life is technically flawless: beautiful animation, perfect casting, great script. There are several strong female characters and some blurring of traditional gender roles that is refreshing. The themes are not that unique as kids' movies go, but the execution is so good that I don't mind.

4.5/5