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Reviews
Die Abenteuer von Pico und Columbus (1992)
Delightfully Disgraceful
I have given this film five stars because it is worthy of both a one and a ten.
It deserves one star because it is one of the lowest, most ill-conceived, pathetic films I have ever seen. But it deserves ten stars as well. Because in being one of the sloppiest and most absurd films ever made, it is certainly one of the most comical.
I had remembered this film from my childhood, but after viewing it at the age of seventeen, I gained an entirely new perspective of this film. I purchased it with the interest that it might bring back memories. But it is now a gem in my collection, one of the most entertaining motion pictures I have ever witnessed or ever will witness.
It would be a misconception to clump this film with other films labeled 'so-bad-it's-good.' Rather, what makes this film enjoyable is its utter preposterousness; it crosses the boundaries of a typical children's film into the bizarre and surreal. One user hit the nail on the head when commenting on this film, saying that the viewer is led to ask the question: 'Why?' The dialogue is clumsily splattered all over the place. Every other line is something that could easily be thrown out, some of which touch into some realm of absurdity never to be revisited throughout the film. At other times, entire segments of dialogue seem completely unnecessary. It seems as if the voice actors were not only poorly improvising the script, but were also clueless as to what the story involved.
The characters are completely senseless. Columbus, in particular, is hardly a character at all. Though they initially portray him as an ambitious explorer, the character gradually goes downhill as the film progresses, until the end of the film, at which point he has transformed into a raving madman running around in his underwear. 'Gold! Gold!!' he shouts gluttonously, his eyeballs shifting into all sorts of phantasmagorical shapes. One moment, he is clambering through the forest in search of gold, and the next moment he is paralyzed with fear, offering the other characters meaningless quips and puns. Meanwhile, he scrambles through the forest screeching maniacally, adding nothing to the plot save for absolute chaos.
Generally, the film seems to dismantle as it goes on. The events within the plot grow more useless with every scene. By the fiery climax of the movie, it has all been reduced to pitiful bedlam. All that can be heard are the angry bellows from the evil 'Swarm Lord,' and the incessant wailing of Columbus. While the film seems to draw toward the dramatic demise of the evil 'Swarm Lord,' it is all ended when Columbus plummets down and inadvertently squashes the great swarm of bugs with his 'gold.' A squishing noise is heard; 'Hey! You squished the Swarm Lord!' says 'Bob the Beaver' in his Eeyore-like voice, since this abrupt turn of events would be completely undecipherable without such an explanation. The conflict has ended suddenly and unexpectedly.
Without a doubt, it is a ridiculously poorly-made film, but those who are fond of absurdity are sure to love it. Moments of senselessness amount to great moments of comedy. Therefore, I recommend this film to anyone who is not a small child, and who feels ready for some laughs. If you begin to watch this film, and it does not seem promising at first, all you have to do is wait; watch as a seemingly innocent children's movie turns into a boiling pot of mayhem.
The Hoober-Bloob Highway (1975)
Delightfully peculiar
This is a strange idea among other Dr. Seuss concepts, but I think that its simple animation and music are very entertaining. Though this short film will rarely receive credit for being a masterpiece, it reflects the genius of Dr. Seuss and continues to impress me. I watch it on occasion, having owned it from a very young age, and I can say without hesitation that it is an important contribution to the Dr. Seuss collection. One thing about it that impresses me is how this is not a well known piece of work among the prolific productions of Dr. Seuss, and yet it shows a quality storyline and assembly of characters. I recommend it for young children, who are certain to be enchanted by its wonderful and quirky style.
Pontoffel Pock, Where Are You? (1980)
A depressed young man finds excitement in his life when he seeks thrills as he travels across the world on a magical piano.
This has quite a storyline. The constant dramatic twists and turns in the plot gives this film an amazing aura of intensity. You'll be able to watch it over and over again. Pontoffel Pock, convinced that he is a disgrace to the world, has a magical union with Mr. McGillicuddy, a powerful and friendly fairy. The fairy sends him on an enchanted journey where he will encounter many dangers. Pontoffel sees many thrills throughout his journey - He is shot clean out of the sky by the great Goomy Gun, he enters the palace of a great powerful king, and encounters the mysterious eyeball dancer, Neepha Pheepha. But after being separated from the eyeball dancer, he must go through more dangers to recover her - He soars through stormy skies, enters a bull fight, and even lands in a dark and steamy jungle. Meanwhile, the fairies are searching high and low for Pontoffel, in search of the magical piano that enables Pontoffel to go wherever he wants. This adventure will leave your head spinning as you view thrill after thrill - Chases, close calls, and destruction. You'll never forget this wild romp across the entire world.