Movie Review: “The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle” (2000) (PG):

Combining cartoon animation with live action, the movie-makers created a film similar to “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988), (stylistically).

Put out by Universal Pictures in 2000, this narrative is quick in pace with antics (like many of the cartoons I grew up watching and still airing); as those made for the 1970’s and 1980’s young audience. It is also satirical.

“Rocky and Bullwinkle” reminds me much of the cartoon “Spy vs. Spy”.

“Spy vs. Spy” (1960’s) – originated from Cuban political satire cartoonist, Antonio Prohias (en.wikipedia.org). As you can read at that site, Antonio Prohias escaped Communist Cuba.

Predating his comic publication in the USA (presumably), was “Rocky and Bullwinkle” with its first publication in the late 1950’s (according to the same site). As to which one was more inspired by any aversion to Communism? That is up for further analysis not here in this review. It’s fair to say though, that they both contribute well from a similar political opinion which is one of favoring “Western” freedoms.

Before summarizing this 2000 movie, I preface this a bit with an introduction to the original animated US televised series: “Rocky and Bullwinkle”-which has different titles.

Rocky the squirrel and Bullwinkle the moose, had rivals – constantly seeking out their demise. The villains were Natasha and Boris – Russian conspirators seeking to bring about the defeat of the North American way (its heroes). Always one step behind, the villains never were able to out whit them I don’t think.

The cartoons were set in North America (USA and Canada) as I recall. In the Canadian setting, the Royal Canadian mounted police were featured as character(s) of the story with some others.

A cartoon – which was propaganda for children, “Rocky & Bullwinkle” writers banked on portrayal of its villains – with origins from the country that was on a receiving end of the “cold war”, well amidst in years and still against (the at that time Communist) Russia.

This 2000 movie, “The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle”, begins with the cartoon heroes stuck in “cartoon-land” still 35 years after “1964” (which is the set year of their cartoon history). It narrates: [1964, the year that US President Johnson is re-elected, America is on the decline – with Rocky and Bullwinkle stuck in “Frostbite Falls”]; quite literally parallel to the re-runs of the adventures they once lived, the characters are still broadcast to new audiences though they are stuck. Having no one to conquer and no one to save, the duo becomes quite bored and irrelevant in “Frostbite Falls” – with all of its forest trees harvested for commercial exploit.

Rocky and Bullwinkle finally revived and set with a new mission, America is now in desperate need of their rescue. After Boris and Natasha successfully hijack American television; and then inch ever closer toward seizing presidential elections by way of despotic puppet (“fearless leader”), the duo is enlisted by a young FBI agent named “Erin” – as they are magically transported to their present day. Who are they up against? Well, “fearless leader” of course, played by actor Robert De Niro. “Fearless leader” has infiltrated Hollywood and TV broadcasts – effectively engaging to turn all Americans into mindless idiots.

“Fearless leader” has used Boris and Natasha to seduce “Minnie” – a Hollywood executive. Doing so, he awaits the final moment with which to seize the presidency… using propaganda through his TV network, in order that he might garner easy votes.

After refusing too many Hollywood scripts (because they are all “too intelligently written”), “Minnie” falls victim to the lure of Boris and Natasha. She gives in to their mind-numbing programming promises – an exploitation (and a quick sell off) of the usual home-bred plots, seemingly endless syndicated re-runs, and re-weaves.

Boris and Natasha, upset with the fall of the iron curtain in the 1980’s (this version tells), team up with “fearless leader” to take over America. Of course they do. They are agents! After their infiltration of Hollywood (as previously described), their “fearless leader” is evermore poised to take over Washington DC and the president’s men by ownership of all broadcasts.

Meanwhile, the FBI is portrayed as the leadership that is counting on young “Erin” – primed for saving the USA (telling her “to get results”). Ever since she was an adventure-craving little girl, she has wanted nothing more than to prove to the FBI that she could save America. The movie shows her flashbacks into childhood.

She enlists the help of “Rocky and Bullwinkle” to do just that – save America. They’re willing. The chase is on.

Using the TV Network contract, R.B.T.V. “Really Bad Television” becomes the tool with which “fearless leader” attempts to turn America into complete idiots; ultimately convincing them to vote for him in the presidential election. He waits.

That is his plan, but, he is ambushed by “Erin” and “Rocky and Bullwinkle” just in time – who hope to save American viewers from remaining “zombies”.

This action movie is geared toward kids, with its plot that is quickly developing through action scenes; yet, it qualifies as a fun family film.

While the classic cartoon cannot be beat, the movie-makers did a good job of creating a product that belongs to the same class of films as “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988) – which by the way is actually more for mature audience.

Well cast and never boring, the movie makers managed to do with this film what they seemingly set out to do.

For more fun on this line, check out this site: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/23320/11-things-you-should-know-about-rocky-bullwinkle

I just experienced a power outage, so this should have gone to print about an hour ago. But, I am glad to post it now for you!