The Ant Bully

Apparently an attempt to blend ‘Antz’ with ‘Honey, I Shrunk the Kids’, this family animation based on John Nickle’s book sees ten-year-old Lucas shrunk to ant size by the angry colony in his garden. The idea that garden ants not only talk but also make magic potions that shrink humans is the first concept that might trouble older humans in the audience: the tone isn’t fantastical enough. The pro-war message may not endear it to everyone either. Threatened by humans, the ants retaliate with their potion, leaving one attacker permanently shrunk. And as flying insects swoop to attack the ants like war planes, they use all means necessary to fight back. Sure, it’s a story of community and survival, but it’s a dog-eat-dog one that lacks the cheery vibe of many family animations. Kiddie-friendly toilet humour, a whiff of suspense and familiar voice actors make it passably entertaining, but there’s little warmth or emotional satisfaction to be had from its cynical characters.