It's not the same old bull.
Animated characters Rocket J (Rocky) the flying squirrel (June Foray) and his erudite friend Bullwinkle J Moose (Keith Scott) are living in a now desolate Frostbite Falls, barely surviving on diminishing residual checks from re-runs of their old television series.
Meanwhile, back in Pottsylvania, Fearless Leader (Robert De Niro) and his notorious spies Boris Badenov (Jason Alexander) and Natasha Fatale (Rene Russo) have escaped their cartoon existence and are reborn as characters of flesh and blood, and are headed for Hollywood. There the evil trio hatch a ruthless plan to take over the world, leaving Rocky and Bullwinkle to go head-to-head with their long-time nemeses Boris and Natasha, and stop them once and for all.
Field Agent Keith Dehle
"This summer it's not the same old bull", the film's publicity department wants you to believe. Thank heavens they are wrong for Bullwinkle the moose has returned and his legion of adorning fans will be glad to know that Bullwinkle is still the same old adorable moose that he always was - except this time he's three-dimensional. He returns with his long time buddy (what exactly was their relationship?) Rocket J Squirrel who has lost none of his political correctness - probably due to his isolation in Frostbite Falls for the past 35 years.
The classic cartoon series, featuring a moose, a squirrel and a pair of cold war inspired no-goodnik villains from Pottsylvania, appealed just as much to adults as children because of its double entendre and jokes that required more than a moosal of intelligence to understand. Now the show comes to life on the big screen in a manner befitting the original series and paying tribute to its creator. Once again, your beloved moose delivers some lines that would go right over the heads of children leaving them to wonder what exactly the adults are laughing at. Notwithstanding, there is still plenty for kids to laugh at. Short scenes characteristic of the series are featured in the film keeping it pacy and maintaining the attention span of those who would normally start climbing over seats and flicking popcorn after the first 30 minutes of any movie.
The casting is surprisingly excellent proving once again that this is not meant to be just a kids movie. Hollywood greats including Robert, Rene and Jason (ok, he's not from Hollywood but he was great in Seinfeld) star in the film. There are also many cameo appearances which, at the very least, will induce a chuckle of admiration from adults who are smart enough (and quick enough) to recognise them.
The adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle is a refreshing alternative to the blow-em-up gore horror flicks that have graced the big screen in recent years. While this movie is not going to break box office records nor scoop half a dozen Oscars, it is one that will provide great amusement to a wide cross section of movie-goers and merchandising opportunities for those wishing to exploit it.
[I hereby declare that I am a devoted fan of Rocky and Bullwinkle. Any bias in this review is purely intentional. Long live moose and squirrel!]
PG (Low level violence)
88 minutes (1:28 hours)
DVD rental: 11 July 2001