The Flipcritic

It's easy to dismiss THE POWERPUFF GIRLS MOVIE as a mere 90-minute marketing campaign to sell cute Cartoon Network merchandise (doesn't every major studio do that?). I can already sense disdain in certain circles towards the hyper-cute appearances of these three young heroines. But for those who are familiar with the "Cartoon Cartoon" programs at Cartoon Network (I'm a huge fan of DEXTER'S LABORATORY), we know that there is an intelligence that accompanies their frenetic energy. It can be twisted at times, but it is inspired.

I believe that like DEXTER'S LAB, THE POWERPUFF GIRLS TV show is special. It comes from a long line of smart animated descendants originating from "The Simpsons". Compared to its peers, It doesn't concentrate on family matters like Bart's show does. Nor does it show the twisted yet humorous decadence of teenage aimlessness as does BEAVIS AND BUTTHEAD. It doesn't try to educate like CLIFFORD and never tries to disgust like REN AND STIMPY. What they do best, as do other Cartoon Network characters (Dexter, Dee Dee, Cow, Chicken, Ed, Edd, Eddy, etc.), is show the embodiment of characteristics and fantasies of children.

Think about it. Dexter loves to show the frustration of being the youngest sibling, but is part of a fantasy where he is the most brilliant mind on the planet. Cow and Chicken, however insanely stupid they seem, are really weird kids belonging to an even weirder family, and having weird friends. But their world is ok. Why? Because everyone cares for each other, implying their's nothing wrong with being different. Ed, Edd, and Eddy are the opposite of The Powerpuff Girls, also displaying frustration at being geeks, but displaying an admirable camaraderie. While Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, are the ultimate expression of little girl power. This may sicken some of you, but look at the alternatives. The Spice Girls? Barbie? Anorexic-looking models? Brittney Spears? After seeing the options, these little super tykes are far from bad.

Oh yeah, the plot. The film chronicles the origin of The Powerpuff Girls, who are concocted from a vat of "girl" ingredients straight from the popular nursery rhyme (Sugar and Spice and everything nice...). Their unknowing creator, Professor Utonium, accidently drops the secret ingredient that gives the girls their super powers (Chemical X). The explosion that results in their creation also causes the intellectual progression of a lab monkey (who caused the accident in the first place) into The Powerpuff Girls' nemesis, Mojo Jojo. After the Professor is thrown into jail due to the girls playing tag (of catastrophic proportions), the girls wander lost through the city. Mojo plots to use them using their common bond in order to rule the world.

The film's plot runs like an extended episode of the TV show, only with eye-catching artwork. Ever since I first laid eyes on this series, I was greatly impressed by its animation. It is simple yet full of verve, marked by very few yet strong solid black outlines. Its art also owes to Japanese animation or anime. The girls' massive yet clear eyes, small mouths, high-pitched voices, simplistic garb, and hyper expressions, are all tributes to the genre (they are also strongly reminiscent of Otomo aka Astroboy). The special CGI effects, though hardly noticeable, are wonderfully excecuted. Their game of tag is almost as spectacular as the digital car chaces in TRON. And they're battle with Mojo's ape army can be described as organized chaos. Though the action is hyperactive, it never feels dizzying.

The movie has other strengths as well. I greatly enjoyed how it employs the cliches of monster movies and superheroes to serve its storyline. Many animated films never let up with their humor or activity (see: THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE and ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE), this one knows when to take a breather. It uses its pauses effectively to setup new moods and events. I absolutely loved Mojo Jojo's dialogue and credit should be given to Roger L. Jackson for a standout voicing. His discourses are enjoyably poetic. He must've practiced endlessly. I also enjoyed the small and oddly amusing touches, such as the cute little mayor who seems to care more about pickles than his city, his secretary whose face is never seen, and the individuality given to certain members of Mojo's band of monkeys.

As a whole, I don't know how it will play with children. It may be actually scary. If this weren't a cartoon, the destruction of Townsville would be very upsetting, as well as Mojo's attack on the city (which is somewhat unsettling even for an adult). For the most part, I believe it will be an enjoyable adventure, just as long as their folks are with them through the nasty parts. One thing I can say though is that this film plays better for adults. it has wit and energy, and a creativity I did not expect.

Most of all, what I enjoyed most about THE POWERPUFF GIRLS is how they really are like kids. They do their best to gain the trust and love of their parents. They are enthusiastic about playing with other kids (a scene where they learn to play tag is thoughtful and kind of sweet). They sometimes play rough, but like all children, they don't really mean any harm. They argue and fight, but they just get caught up in the moment. And near the end, they do their best to take responsibility. Here is a movie where the children are elevated to gods. They are freed from the bounds of physical law and allowed to soar (Remember E.T.?). And plus, they're girls! How often do you get to see that?

Posted by FLIPCRITIC at July 10, 2002 12:00 AM