Cool News
"Animaniacs" feature film !!'''''''!!'''''''!!
Glen here...
...with a little news about an Animaniacs project apparently teetering on the brink of theatrical release, or straight-to-video relegation.
To be totally and completely honest with you, I’m not a *huge* Animaniacs fan - so I didn’t know what to make of the two messages copied below. Reversely, I am constantly annoyed and bereaved by the lack of kid-friendly (but smart-enough-for-adults) material hanging out in theaters these days, so the idea of an Animaniacs feature film rocks hard, methinks.
Everyone I have shared this news with has gone completely batty about the idea of an Animaniacs project being released as a feature film.
My little boy’s head started pulsing and doing the Scanners thing.
Annie Reed went into some very peculiar conniptions and started speaking in strange, slobbery tongues. I hadn’t seen her behave this way since she we were in a Target parking lot and she spotted some Ford Mustang convertible which was built before I was born.
Someone else I told about this project immediately began railing on Warner Bros. - hemming and hawing about how the beleaguered studio couldn’t possibly be smart enough to release the below-mentioned project as a feature film. This rant is still ongoing, by the way. It’s been forty-eight hours.
As such, I can only surmise that an Animaniacs motion picture could draw substantial interest from both young audiences and an adult crowd as well. Here’s two (slightly edited) messages which will tell you a little bit more about Wakko’s Wacko Wish (sp?) - Warner Bros.’ new Animaniacs project...
Warner Bros. Animation has finished production on the Animaniacs movie,
entitled "Wakko's Wacko Wish." Yeah, it sounds a lot like kid's tripe,
but Animaniacs has always been a show of sneaking in some right hilarious
humor into their stuff (the old Pinky & the Brain for example, and if
either of you haven't seen the 'Please Please Please Get A Life
Foundation' short.. well.. find it! NOW!).
At any rate, the big wigs at WB will be screening the final product
tomorrow to decide upon a theatrical or direct-to-video release. ((Glen Note: this message was mailed Friday. So...presumably...The powers That Be have already seen the project by now)).
Wanted to pass along some interesting information to you regarding an
animated feature film that Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) has made that sounds
very interesting and entertaining, but that I fear might get lost in the
shuffle without somebody calling people’s attention to it. The title of it,
last I heard, was Wakko’s Whacko Wish [spelling, and the title may since
have changed] and uses characters from the long-running Animanaics series.
If you are familiar with the Batman and Superman animated series, you may
well be familiar with Animaniacs, since like those shows, Animanaics was
produced by WBA. Also, like Batman and Superman, the show had a great deal of
critical success, winning a Peabody award and a slew of Emmy awards for the
show itself, as well as its writing and voice work.
The show also has a
legion of loyal and devoted fans, like me, who were heartbroken to see the
show canceled last year (many, like me, wrote letters to Time Warner and the
network, asking for a reprieve), and who were very excited to hear about the
film.
From a technical standpoint, I understand the movie was filmed in two
versions, one of which was letterbox (i.e. 1:85:1) for theatrical release, and
one was standard video. The animation was done by Tokyo Movie Shinsha (a/k/a
TMS), one of the leading animation outfits in Japan; they’ve done extensive
work on the Batman and Superman series as well.
There are a number of songs
written by Randy Rogel, an ex-West Point man who has written a number of
memorable songs for Animaniacs. The show apparently features nearly all of
the cast of characters, including my favorite, Minerva Mink. As I understand
it, the movie takes a playful poke at fairy-tale type animated features, and
has a great deal of music, in fact.
Here’s the situation, as far as I know it. A few days ago (Thursday, I’m
led to believe), there was a screening on the Warner Bros. lot for the WB
brass, including some highups, who, I’m told, had a positive reaction. Folks
I’ve talked to who were there say that TMS did a first-class job on the
animation. Supposedly, the movie is now going for test screenings, possibly
in the Los Angeles area, sometime in the near future.
A decision is being made, I’m told, whether to release the film
theatrically or have it go straight to video. Personally, I’d like very much
to see it do well at the box office, in a fashion that might make some of the
powers at The WB Network consider putting the show back into production.
Glen here, again...
The above-mentioned Randy Rogel and company are a class-act. I’d like to see this project go-the-distance happen for them.
For the fans.
And for my little boy...
Glen
Or call:
(512) 347-1992
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+ Expand All
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Remember the straight to video Tiny Toons movie, "How We Spent Our Summer Vacation" (it's since been cut up into individual tv episodes)? The animation was good, the script was very funny and, yeah, I think it could have survived the moviehouse miasma feature-length animation falls into every now and again. Even if Animaniacs goes straight to video, I trust the company to do good on it. I mean, look at Batman Beyond! Look at Histeria, the only program that actually makes history fun and enjoyable (call me Goodman Toast, dude)... It's too dang bad that the studio isn't half as good as the animation department. For bloody shame.
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Hell-ooo movie nurse!
ANIMANIACS kicks major cartoon ass! And if this thing hits the silver screen I am so there... get your "Gookies" ready & get in line... -
Calling the Queen Sybil because she uses the royal we;
A West Side Story take-off with both Sgt. Krupkitty (a fat Irish cat) and the song We Want To Sit On Scorsese's Head;
Having Abraham Lincoln, while trying to find a start to the Gettysburg Adress, throw away the following possible beginning, "I am a jelly doughnut" (and how many people actually understand this reference?);
Wonderful moments like these make Animaniacs a true classic. Can't wait for the movie. If WB was smart, they'd at least continue to make more cartoon shorts for theatrical release and show them before selected movies. -
The easiest way to go about helping see that the Animaniacs movie hits theaters is to show your support via the newsgroup alt.tv.animaniacs. Production staff and various voice tallents do read and post to the newsgroup on a regular basis. Not quite as much as The Great Maker JMS, but hey, that's JMS. Show your support for the show by posting over there, and make sure to not only tell them you want a theatrical release, but that you want a letterboxed DVD with lots of goodies including voice outtakes. ];-) --- Neuracnu Coyote
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Animaniacs going to theatres would be such a paradime shift for the parents (who probably don't even know what their kids watch) there'd be Soccer Mom's heads exploding in the middle of the film. I think that's a plus. Also, it might do good to let everyone know that the kid's shows aren't all Teletubbies and Power Rangers. I was watching Hysteria (good, but no Animaniacs), and during a commercial I flipped to the Fox cartoon channel. It Was Horrible! It was some Zyban-inspired live action D&D wannabe crap! The thought that kid's programming ranges from what's on the WB to what I saw on FOX is at once frightening and re-asuring. It shows that culture can go either way with the next generations. So the best thing to do is to get more exposure for the good! Warner Bros. - Release Animaniacs! For the good of humanity!
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In a perfect world where warner bros. isn't run by Captain Retard and the Handicap patrol.
But if you think about it besides the Batman/Superman/Batman Beyond
(ok the DC superhero cartoons) Kids WB really really sucks now!
Histeria?
Pinky,Elmyra & the Brain?
No cancelation in site for Sylvester and tweety?
Maybe all the talented people were working on the movie!
Wishful thinking...
Love
FancyLad -
I was looking forward to this as it was, but with word that TMS animated, it's now moved into Must-See status. TMS has done all the best animation for both TTA and A! Their animation is instantly recognizable for being the cleanest and most animated of all the animation houses overseas.
I'm really hoping this makes the theaters now. . .
-Augie -
Hey... it was a classic mint condition, Sierra Blue Mustang Convertible with a 305 engine, auto tranny, and white leather interior! I've dreamed about this car since I was born! All I said in that Target lot was "Oh... BABY!" Anyway... this should be a movie, on big big screens. Just hope it has the Goodfeathers...
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I would go see this movie. Disney's jaw dropped when Dreamworks made a animated movie that was risky, with originality, and a good cast, and unpredictability, and big business home & abroad. They always thought that you had to make a lame, terrible animated movie like Pocahontas to do moola overseas. Now, they're bringing Doug to the big screen. I think that Warner Bros. ought to release this Animaniacs movie three weeks after the Doug film and take another wallop at Disney as they did with Space Jam. One problem: this movie is completed and could be released anytime, but wouldn't that interfere with The King & I?
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The Animaniacs rule! Coming from a 23 year old male, I have to say that I would be thrilled to see a feature film starring Yacko, Wakko and Dot. Bring it on, WB, and if you have any brains at all bring back new tv episodes as well.
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I would pay everything I have right now to see an Animaniacs movie in the theaters. Granted, I don't have a lot because I'm trying to focus on college, not a job. But that makes what little I have all the more important to me. An Animaniacs movie is about the only thing that would be *worth* blowing everything I've got on it.
I mean, jeez... When I first started watching the series... It was so completely unique and incredible. The wit and intelligence *along* with likable characters. I was still a child and it's humor got me through hard times. Nothing else, not even another cartoon, could make me laugh when most of the time I was almost suicidal. I was a sixth grade kid who's only friend had just stabbed me in the back. But Animaniacs literally got me through, as bizarre as it may sound.
I still have all of my animaniacs pictures and posters hung on the walls (and ceiling) of my bedroom. And I've still got all of my Wakko stuffed animals out on display and accessible. My favorite one - a giant Wakko doll from one of the theme parks - I became so obsessed with winning it, my friends became concerned. But when I got it, I made quite a public scene of myself. Flung one of my friends around in the air for a while. And I don't do things like that. I'm the shy, quiet one nobody notices.
I think that Warner Brothers shouldn't be afraid to release an Animaniacs movie to the big screen. They should trust in the enthusiasm of the fans. There's plenty of it out there to go around.
Sincerely,
Jenna "tOoNster" Leigh
- formerly known as Red-Capped Warner -
I would love to see this. I miss Animaniacs. It was a quality animated show a few years ago, and with most animated shows, abruptly leaves. I want to experience the humor of yakko, wakko, an dot again. Not only was this a good animated show, but it was good slapstick animation, which is rare in today's action oriented animation, and when it is there, it's not often done well. I will be looking forward to this.
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My biggest hope about this movie is that the idiots at WB - who, if Kids WB is any indication, wouldn't know funny if Dot came up and personally demonstrated it - let the folks who created it tell the story as they set out to, instead of hacking it to pieces like they did to How I Spent My Vacation (the full-length movie) to turn it into How I Spent My Summer Vacation (the chopped-up, crappy television version). The folks who make Animaniacs know funny, and have repeatedly delivered, even in the face of determined idiocy from the brass. WB has a winner here. The big question is, do they know it?
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I haven't watched it in about a year, but I still would like to see it if it comes out. But I'm speculative... I just hope this isn't going to be a crappy WBA movie lie Space Jam was. I enjoyed it at the time, but in retrospect, the plot was stupider than any other cartoon I've ever seen. So as long as they live up to the quality of the show, I'll be satisfied.
P.S. I think WB is REALLY stupid for COMPLETELY changing Pinky & the Brain to Pinky, Elmyra, and the Brain. I never liked the Tiny Toon's Elmyra cartoons, and sure as hell, don't appreciate WB butchering those great mice. It would be great for an episode, or two, but after that it just becomes stupid! -
Ok, let me start off by saying I've always been a fan of A!. Let's hope WB don't mess up this movie... if they do, they'll be sorry. I know they messed up lots of stuff before, but... Oh well. I hope this ain't one they mess up, I know I'll see the movie, and possibly buy it when it comes out on video. If they mess it up, I won't... we just got to wait and see. I also hope they give Minerva Mink a bigger role than she had in her shorts on the show.
~MinervaMink~ -
Does anyone else out there miss Freakazoid? I have just watched most of the episodes of Freakazoid on The Cartoon Network over here in england, and demand to know, why was this cool series cancelled? dexter Douglas is the man. The Lobe is one cool Mutha... "Shut Your Mouth"... but I am only talking about The Lobe. Bring Back Freakazoid, or have him cameo in this film. You Dig?
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Ah, finally... a Freakaziod fan. Another favorite of mine. Definitely something the kids find hysterical yet isn't so dumbed down the adults run screaming from the room (even though I don't think Glen gets this show either... HA!). Who else would get the irony of Ricardo Maltoban and Ed Asner voicing a cartoon? Or Dr. Smith from the original Lost in Space playing a butler (I think that's him)? The kids wouldn't have a clue. So I'm not the only one who tries to keep their cat away from their keyboard...
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Not only is Randy Rogel a great writer (won an Emmy for "Robin's Reckoning" on Batman: TAS) and songster, but he is an excellent actor, singer and dancer. Catch him on stage doing "Singing In The Rain" doing the Donald O'Connor part (including the wall jump) which he tours in occasionally.
In the 1980s he appeared in the four "Dr Who" movies I made with a female Doctor, playing a cockney chimney sweep. Read more about it at:
http://www.eskimo.com/~rkj/doctor.html
Ryan
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First, Annie, you are quite correct: that is Johnathan Harris (sp) as Professor Jones, reprising his LIS role as Dr. Zachary Smith. Brilliantly, I might add.
There's a fair amount of overlap among the fans of F! and A!, which isn't surprising, since both series shared much of the same creative talent (Tom Ruegger, Paul Rugg, John McCann, et alia). And, as pointed out earlier, the show had a similar multi-level style.
Freakazoid even made a cameo appearence in the last episode of A! to be broadcast (Star Warners), in the Cantina Sequence spoof.
The A! feature would be an excellent way to keep this spirit alive.
Of course, there are the Minerva Mink fans I could name...like me...who really want to see a nice role for Minerva (voiced by the lovely Julie Brown).
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Well the reason so many of us are happy to see this film come out is that Jamie Kellner (current head of WBKids) has cancelled the show and all episodes.
HOWEVER do not dispair there is something you can do!
Join the SOAK (Save our Animaniacs Kampain) for more information you can visit the SOAK homepage at http://mh105.infi.net/~gonzol/animaniacs/
*hugs*
Fionacat -
Damn it, I agree. Freakazoid is one of my favorite cartoon series' and I frequently asked myself why did they cancel the best series they had at the time? Now they got the Batman/Superman Adventures, but Freakazoid ranks way up there with it.
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I'd LOVE to see this! I always loved the animaniacs, but haven't watched them in forever. On the tails of this, what would everyone say to a feature-length
"Histeria's History of the World"? -
Well, from what I've seen of the posts here, I'm truly touched. A large number of people have encouraged an ANIMANIACS movie and have offered their support. Some of the stories also really touched me. If you'd like to see how many people ANIMANIACS has truly touched, visit the aforementioned Save the ANIMANIACS site and go to the petition if it's still up. There are some truly touching stories there, of suicidal teens, down-on-their-luck adults, etc., etc., et. al. I think this show has touched way too many people in way too many special ways to be abandoned and deserted like some fly-by-night D*sney show. It deserves better. Intelligent shows are a dying breed, especially in kids' programming. So please please pleease, even if you're not an ANIMANIACS fan, if you care about our children, help keep good shows on the air so they don't have to watch the other tripe on nowadays...visit Save the ANIMANIACS and send in some letters, or at least sign the petition. ANIMANIACS has touched me, it's touched thousands of others, and there are millions of little kids/grown adults who will never experience the wonderful witty cleverness of this show. Even if we never see new episodes again, please help get the movie into theaters! It's our only hope for a better world...otherwise, the entertainment world...and our next generation's minds...go right down the tubes...
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