Thursday, December 24, 2009

On DVD: G-Force (2009)

Who would've thought it possible? Jerry Bruckheimer, producer par excellence (CSI, "Pirates of the Caribbean", "Beverly Hills Cop", etc.), making a children's movie? You betchum, Red Ryder!

"G-Force", Disney's new would-be franchise from Bruckheimer, spins the tale of a trio of guinea pigs, Blaster, Suarez, & Darwin, and Speckles the mole, trained as the most unlikely of FBI field agents by Dr. Ben Kendall (Zach Galifinakis, "The Hangover"). Fearing the loss of funding of his project, Kendall sends his team out to take down a millionaire businessman who is secretly using his product as part of a plot to destroy the earth, or so it would seem. However, just when it looks like G-Force has succeeded, a key piece of evidence is sabotaged, and snooty Agent Killian (Will Arnett, ex-Arrested Development) shuts down Kendall's lab. G-Force is moved to a local pet shop, then separated pro tempore, before reuniting in time to finally close the case, despite odd twists and turns along the way.

Check the trailer:



The voice casting is an eclectic mix, including Nicolas Cage as Speckles and Tracy Morgan (30 Rock, Scare Tactics) as mouthy Blaster, who was front & center in the promo ads prior to the film's theatrical release. There is room for a sequel, especially since "G-Force" spent 2 weeks atop the box office charts. If there is a quibble, it's the fact that Disney blew a golden marketing opportunity that sat right in front of them. Guinea pigs make great household pets (I should know--my girlfriend has one), and Disney could've appealed to pet owners by offering them the opportunity to bring their guinea pigs in to see the movie for free with their owner's paid admission.

Grade: A+.


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