“G-Force” has been billed as producer Jerry Bruckheimer’s first foray into animation, which suggests his live-action films contain something resembling “reality” and “humans.”
Shrinking Bruckheimer’s usual visual-effects mayhem down to rodent size, “G-Force” is centered on a elite squad of guinea pigs who resemble small(er) versions of Tom Cruise in “Mission: Impossible.”
The guinea pigs are voiced by Sam Rockwell (Darwin), Tracy Morgan (Blaster) and Penelope Cruz (Juarez). Nicolas Cage, doing the finest voice-over work in the movie, plays Speckles, a computer specialist mole.
They are collectively (along with a voice-less, camera-wielding fly) under the tutelege of G-Force’s creator, Ben. (Only the little critters are animated.) He’s played by the usually unconventional comedian Zach Galifianakis, introduced to many earlier this summer in “The Hangover.”
Ben’s pipsqueak task force is quickly shut down by FBI special agent Kip Killian, played by Will Arnett. The group nevertheless rallies to help uncover the duplicitous dealings of industrialist Leonard Saber (Bill Nighy), whose big plans for world domination include evil coffee makers — a feat, of course, already accomplished by Starbucks.
But you don’t come to see “G-Force” for the intrigue; you come for the talking guinea pigs.
If “G-Force” has a cousin, it isn’t “Ratatouille” (not by a long shot), but “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” the 2007 film that also married live action with furry, animated cliches.
None in the G-Force come through much as characters. Juarez, we are told, is an attractive guinea pig; a propensity to flirt is her only characteristic. Darwin, the leader, remains a blank slate, but at least is animated in such a way to mimic how Rockwell speaks out of the side of a smirk. Blaster shouts tired urban slang like “Holla!” and “Pimp my ride!”
Like a number of Hollywood’s offerings this summer, “G-Force” is in 3-D. Depending on your perspective, that means either a more interesting viewing experience or simply a more expensive one.
“G-Force” is directed by Hoyt Yeatman, a longtime visual effects maestro on Bruckheimer’s films, including “Armageddon” and “Con Air.” The 3-D effects are occasionally impressive, as when the fly buzzes over your shoulder.
But an opportunity was missed to exploit the 3-D technology from the perspective of hamster-sized spies. And when will effects wizards realize the most important feature of an animated creature isn’t the pixels of its fur, but the liveliness of its eyes?
The movie credits Yeatman with the film’s story and five writers with the screenplay. The group effort, though, wasn’t enough to prevent a climax that will have moviegoers wondering if they accidentally wandered into the theater for the latest “Transformers” film.
Most depressing about “G-Force” is the talent wasted in the name of family entertainment. Galifianakis, Morgan and Arnett are all funnier falling out of bed. Galifianakis, at least, manages to slide in one smart quip: His reconnaissance mosquito rescued, he rejoices: “I don’t like it when my fly is down.”
But “G-Force” ultimately reveals itself as no more than a pest. In one scene, the fly zooms up Nighy’s nose, which is something like the sensation of watching this talking guinea pig movie in 3-D.
Entertainment
Rodent-sized action in 'G-Force'
- Entertainment
-
-
Goshen music venue offers an intimate experience
From the front row at the Ignition Garage you can reach out and touch your favorite musician on stage. From the back row, you’re still within eye-contact range.
-
Choirs to perform Sunday at Goshen College
Two Goshen College Community School of the Arts (CSA) children’s choirs will perform as part of the Spring CSA Showcase Concert Sunday at 4 p.m. in Goshen College Music Center’s Sauder Concert Hall.
-
'Beloved Dearly' to be performed at Bethany Christian Middle School
Bethany Christian Middle School students will perform Doug Cooney's "The Beloved Dearly" at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
-
GC graduate in concert Friday
Ruthmere’s Spring Culture Series performance Friday will feature a violin concert by Elspeth Stalter, a recent Goshen College graduate.
-
Flying high in Shipshe
Look at what’s going up. Look at what’s coming down — and then, perhaps, eat it.
Those are two of many entertainment options available Saturday in Shipshewana. -
Website: Glen Campbell to perform during fair
The Rhinestone Cowboy may be riding into Goshen.
The website hotlist.com reports that Glen Campbell will perform during the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Wednesday, July 25, at 7 p.m. -
'Zoo Zoo' to be performed at Goshen College
Portland, Ore.-based Imago Theater will present “Zoo Zoo” as part of Goshen College’s 2011-12 Performing Arts Series season April 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the college’s Umble Center.
-
Goshen College concerts announced
Emmylou Harris, the Del McCoury Band and Lea Salonga are among the highlights of the 2012-13 season of the Goshen College Performing Arts Series.
-
GC Symphony Orchestra to perform Friday
The Goshen College Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Assistant Professor of Music Christopher Fashun, will present its spring concert in Goshen College Music Center’s Sauder Concert Hall Friday at 7:30 p.m.
-
Kansas Bible Company in concert Friday
The band came later.
“We all met at Goshen College, just kind of as a group of friends,” Goshen native Jake Miller recalled. “And then we all kind of figured out we play music and enjoyed playing music together.” - More Entertainment Headlines
-
Secret Service Boss: 'I Apologize'
Giant Bull Head Draws Drivers to South Dakota
Astrodome Fades As Houston Decides Fate
Egyptians Vote in Historic Presidential Election
Franciscan Files Tell Stories of Priest Abuse
Wildfire Destroys 2 Homes
Flight Diverted After Suspicious Note
Joplin Remembers Deadly Tornado, 1 Year Later
Panel Recommends Against Routine Prostate Test
Fired Lingerie Employee Claims Discrimination
Joplin Marches to 'Remember' Tornado Victims
Facebook Shares Continue Negative Slide
Cuba Waiting for Cyber Age to Come
8 Hurt in Oklahoma Shooting After NBA Playoff
Sheriff: DNA Links Suspect to Missing CA Teen
US Airways: Diverted Flight Has 'Landed Safely'
Revived Focus on Regulation After JPMorgan Loss
