Arctic Tale
Rated: G
Apparently, there are other creatures than penguins in sub-zero climates. From over 800 hours of footage recorded over the span of fifteen years, Arctic Tale looks two species living in this climate: polar bears and walruses, demonstrating not only the familial bond between these creatures but their ability to adapt. Unfortunately, the insecurity of the film's serious message/comedic tone coupled with a muddled message about climate change ends up putting this film on an ice floe and out to sea. The story focuses on a female polar bear and a female walrus and how both come of age in a time when global warming is making the teachings of their parents ineffective and forcing both creatures to adapt. While the film makes it very clear that we're making the lives of these creatures harder, when our heroes survive and overcome, it sends the message that yeah, we're screwing up the planet but these noble creatures can handle it. Give yourself a hummer for owning a hummer. The film's schizophrenia also continues in tone as one scene we're watching these animals fight their hardest to survive and then the next we're watching a chorus of walrus farts. The narration of Queen Latifah undermines the movie as she attempts to sass things up while still provide a strong female voice to parallel the strong female animals. It doesn't work and it shows that while March of the Penguins trusted its audience, Arctic Tale feels the need to throw in funk hits like "We Are Family" and "Celebration" to let you know that these species are family and that they celebrate from time to time. Despite its noble aspirations and some touching and remarkable moments at a part of the world rarely seen, Arctic Tale's insecure direction ends up crippling a film that's too boring for kids but not fascinating enough for adults. Words by |