This is an edited version of a review that I ran a couple years back during the New York International Children's Film Festival when the film played there. With the film opening FIAF's Animation First Festival I'm reposting it.
The short version is you have to see this film- even if you've seen it on home video- you need to see this in 3D because it's just that good as a film and as a 3D experience. For tickets and more information go here
... MINUSCULE: VALLEY OF THE LOST ANTS is an animated French film about a lady bug who befriends some black ants who are transporting a tin of sugar to their nest. The black ants end up being hunted by a bunch of red ants who eventually assault the black nest in force. Think cowboys being chased by Indians only smaller.
You have to see this...no, you have to see this in 3D. No, things don't pop out at you but damn...er darn the sense of depth adds a great deal to the film. Saying that is a big deal since I hate the extra cost of 3D films and find the process annoying. However you have to keep in mind that this is a great looking (its animated characters in real backgrounds) grand adventure that sucks you in and carries you away. And while this film has echoes and out right steals things from some of the greatest films of all time-it does so in such away that its not showy or over powering. Its like oh look a reference to Raiders of the Lost Ark, that's cool, but whats going to happen next? You'll care less about the riff then you will about how the characters are going to get out of the danger they are in.
This is a great great film that had the kids cheering and everyone roaring with laughter. Trust me on this, this is a film that will grab you and drag you along-all without one word of human dialog. Yea the insects buzz, tweet and whatever, but no one says a word.
I need to see this again soon because it had me awestruck.
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