‘Animal Farm’ review: Orwell’s silly adaptation with Andy Serkis voicing Seth Rogen, Kieran Culkin and Glenn Close

Fun fact for trivia lovers. 1954 animated film version of George Orwell’s classic 1945 novel animal farm Funded and directed by the CIA as part of an anti-communist propaganda campaign. This sounds unlikely until you remember that this is the same costume that considered using chemicals to destroy Fidel Castro’s beard.

The new animated version of the story, directed by Andy Serkis, apparently did not benefit from such government intervention. This bland family-friendly adaptation seems more the product of the PTA than the CIA, sacrificing the story’s strong anti-Stalinist message for a sobering critique of corporatization featuring human villains (including one played by Glenn Close, who seems nostalgic for her days as Cruella de Vil).

Now, we all know that nothing makes kids happier than fart jokes. But, and this is a deep philosophical question, does that mean every animated movie has to have that? It’s been a long time since I’ve read Orwell’s novella, but I don’t think there was ever a moment when Napoleon the Saddleback Boar (Seth Rogen), the villain of the novel, releases a big wet boar and screams, “This is the sound of freedom!” after taking over power on the farm.

The basic structure of Orwell’s allegorical story was continued by screenwriter Nicholas Stoller (neighbor, brothers), but was primarily used as an excuse for a series of cutely rendered CG-animated animals to play pranks while shouting clearly anti-communist phrases like “Let’s start the animal party!” There are plenty of scenes featuring up-tempo pop and hip-hop songs (the more their soundtrack albums sell, the better). And the new central character is Lucky (Gaten Matarazzo, stranger things), the stuffed animal is an adorable piglet that would look great sitting next to the Minions on your child’s shelf.

For some inexplicable reason, it is aimed at younger children. It’s not that animation isn’t accepted by adults these days. Or, it’s not like I’ve never been to an evening screening. super mario galaxy movie? — This version sacrifices the story’s strong political and social themes in favor of a by-the-numbers conspiracy. The main takeaway is that Rogen’s normally very cheerful voice can become very creepy under the right circumstances.

There are also some silly jokes, such as the good-hearted but unlucky horse Boxer explaining Einstein’s theorem. E = Mac² Napoleon claps his hooves and wears a T-shirt with the phrase “Go Pig or Go Home” printed on it. Oh, and there’s also a scene that parodies a game show. Because I know kids will get bored with it.

For a film that features visually uninspiring animation that strives to be cute above all else, it at least has a great voice acting cast. Besides the aforementioned characters, there’s also Kieran Culkin, wasted as Napoleon’s ruthless sidekick. Steve Buscemi oozes slyness as the greedy banker. Laverne Cox exudes warmth as Napoleon’s rival Snowball. Kathleen Turner, her raspy voice in the role of Donkey is instantly recognizable. Iman Vellani (Ms. Marvel), doubles as two piglets. And Jim Parsons is usually funny as a sheep. Serkis also voiced both animal and human characters, and we are only fondly remembered for his amazing motion capture work.

It’s worth watching at least the end credits. Because when was the last time you had a chance to hear Propellerheads’ great song, aptly chosen, “History Replying” featuring the immortal voice of Shirley Bassey?