MaximumMadness
This is going to be a tough review to write, since the subject is only a 5 minute short, but I felt compelled to after learning that this 2002 release won the Oscar for Best Animated Short, which I felt really wasn't justified.A test animation by Sony Pictures Imageworks, "The ChubbChubbs!" tells the story of Meeper, a meek, whiny alien janitor who works at a bar/lounge called the "Ale-E-Inn", and is fired after accidentally electrocuting the bar's stage-performer. Upon being ejected, he learns that a race of ruthless beings known as the "ChubbChubbs" are coming, and could potentially destroy everything before them- including Meeper, the entire bar and a group of small chick-like furry critters who are happily mingling out front. And so Meeper sets out to try and warn the bar before the horrible creatures arrive and destroy everyone.To it's credit, the film has some cute moments and amusing jokes. It's loaded with dozens of pop-culture references to famous Sci-Fi films, featuring cameos from everything from Darth Vader to the robot from "Lost in Space." Heck, there's even an early appearance by a dying Jar- Jar Binks-like Gungan form "Star Wars: Episode I." (Which without a doubt put a devious smirk on the face of everyone who saw that film and hated Jar- Jar.) It's clear that this film had a lot of heart put into it, and was made by people who were genuine fans of science fiction.The animation is also very solid, especially for what is a glorified test by an effects company looking to branch out more. And I will admit Meeper is a likable enough lead character, although I found his nasally, whining voice a bit over-the-top.However, this film is also very flawed and surprisingly average, which is why I don't agree with it winning the Oscar.For one, many of the pop-culture and science fiction references feel forced and don't add much. Much in the same way as the Seltzer- Friedberg comedies ("Epic Movie", "Disaster Movie", etc.) fail for having no jokes and an over-reliance on references, this film is uneven in it's humor, and seems to think that a making a reference is the same thing as making a joke. Which it's not. The references were nice, but they weren't automatically funny or charming. I think they should have been kept in as background "Easter Eggs" for fans to discover, instead of being as big a focus as they are. And to be honest, there just aren't too many honest jokes besides prat-falls and slapstick. Which, while they work when well done (ex. early Warner Bros. cartoons), they can fall flat when mishandled. And finally, the ending is very predictable and obvious, and though I won't spoil it, most people over the age of 12 will see it coming a mile away.However, despite those flaws, this is still a well-made short film, and it does have just enough charm to make it worth checking out once. But I do seriously contest it's win for Best Animated Short. This is a cute film, but it's not Academy Award worthy."The ChubbChubbs!" gets a slightly above average 6 out of 10. Check it out once or twice if you get a chance and give it a shot.
Enchorde
Recap: Meeper is the janitor at the bar, but has dreams of becoming a singer and performing on stage. Now, all is en jeopardy though, the dreaded Chubbchubbs are coming! Comments: Typical Pixar, which means a great short with high quality. This little movie excels in three categories. First of animation. No flaws there. No flaws at all. Second. Humor. Typical of Pixar attention has been paid to the story as well as animation. This is not just a short to flaunt their animation ability. This is also a short story with good humor and a good plot. Third. References. They're everywhere. Can you catch them all, I sure didn't on the first try.9/10
bob the moo
Meeper is a janitor in an alien nightclub. He dreams of being a singer though he is clearly not very good at all. When yet another clumsy accident occurs he is tossed from the club out on the ground. While there he notices a large cloud of dust approaching – the chubbchubbs! He tries to warn the nightclubbers, completely unaware that this may be his big break in show business.I saw this film on the DVD for MIIB and wasn't sure what to expect or even if it was a spin off from the movie. I had heard of it's Oscar nomination at the time so assumed that it was either really good or that it had got well known off the back of the film. Watching it reveals it to be a nice little short – unassuming and perhaps slightly unworthy of the praise heaped on it (for content anyway) but still fun. The plot is very thin and is really only a setup for some amusing jokes. Most of them are good for kids but adults will enjoy them anyway.The one thing that let me down was the fact that the film made fun of Jar-Jar Binks (an activity surely everyone supports) but only for 15 seconds! I wanted this mock Jar-Jar to be in it longer to be used better as a target! However Meeper is quite a cool little character and is amusing enough to carry the lead. The plot's thinness is a problem as it doesn't really have anywhere to go to justify the running time – it could easily have lost a minute and still done the same job. However these are minor quibbles.Technically the short looks good and the animation is smooth and clever. It is funny without ever getting you in stitches like it could have done with a bit more work on the script and plot – it sort of plateau's instead of building. Overall this was a pleasant surprise on my DVD. I don't know if it is worth seeking out by itself but it is worth a watch if you get a chance.
ezziebaby
I didn't realize it was on my Men in Black II DVD until I read a DVD review on the internet. So I took a look at it, and it's my favorite animated movie (topping Aladdin, now that's a surprise!)Everyone should buy themselves a copy of this piece.
