STORYLINE: A satirical fable following an animal revolution as pigs seize power and the farm descends into a ruthless dictatorship-fulfilling Orwell’s warning about the dangers of communism. (IMDb)

   Many novels have achieved the status of classic. Multiple novels have gone on to be adapted to the silver screen. The Grapes of Wrath was adapted in 1940.  In 1950 Disney took audiences to Treasure Island.  Lord of the Flies has its film debut in 1963.  This past winter Wuthering Heighhs, once again saw the glow of the cinenas’ projectors.  Now George Orwell’s Animal Farm has been adapted, as an animated feature.

    Animated movies have a stereotype of being children’s movies. There’s a lot of animated content for children, in mainstream culture. It’s a fair point.  2025’s Flow and a variety of anime films such as Miss Hokusai (2016) are geared more for adult audiences.  

   The question is where does Animal Farm fall, as an animated feature?  It is designedto be targeted for the high school demographic, and those who are fans of classic literature. The trailers did come with a advisory for audience is 12 and over.  At my screening there were parents, with very young ones.  I had a tough time gaging reactions as they left the theater. That’s code for I was checking my entail on my phone as they were passing by me.

   The film itself puts the story in today’s society, for modern audiences.  That’s a way to have modern audiences comprehend the material more.  With material heavy in metaphors, aiding audiences like that has its advantages. 

    I wasn’t to  thrilled with how Animal Farm was animated.  It could be I have been spoiled with the beauty of Studio Ghibli features and detail in Pixar movies. Animal Farm was lacking in those qualities. 

    I did not care for the book. I have seen movies where I did not care for the source material. I am not a fan of Shakespeare, yet I enjoyed last years Juliet and Romeo, a Bollywood style interpretation of the play.  So I went to Animal Farm with an open mind.  I left unimpressed with the movie. My disinterest was a combination of a lack of visuals and me not caring for the story.

   It’s safe to say Animal Farm was bit my movie. It’s an animated feature that is designed more for the high school age then a younger audience. 

   Until next time, I will see you at movies!