Jerry Bruckheimer is one of the most successful producers in all of Hollywood and his partnership with Walt Disney Entertainment has given us some of the highest grossing films of all time. We can thank him for bringing us one of the most memorable characters of the decade with Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean films, and he’s also behind such films as National Treasure, Con-Air, and The Rock. But can a film about spy guinea pigs hold up to these blockbusters? Not exactly.
Zack Galifinakis goes from playing braindead in this year’s The Hangover to playing Ben, a genius scientist who has discovered a way for humans to understand guinea pigs. This groundbreaking discovery is used to train a special group of guinea pigs to be secret agents for the FBI, called G-Force with voices of some of Hollywood’s hottest talent – Sam Rockwell (Moon), Penelope Cruz (Nine), Tracey Morgan (30 Rock). The G-Force has to battle a corporation run by Bill Nighy whose world domination scheme consists of evil transforming household appliances.
As silly as this all sounds, G-Force really isn’t all that bad. True to Bruckheimer fashion, the action is pretty amazing considering the main characters are nine inches tall. The final battle between the G-Force and the appliances was visually amazing and even had an unexpected plot twist. Shocking, I know. But the overuse of already overplayed Black Eyed Peas songs and a dragging pace made this more of a chore to sit through than anything else. The kid audience I watched it with loved it though and raved about it during the credits. Then promptly went on their merry way never to mention it again.
This Blu-ray release is presented in a 2.40:1 aspect ration and like I stated before, it’s a visually stunning film. The effects are cutting edge and are quite impressive when viewed on the Blu-ray disc. The sound is loud and action packed, and the transfer is flawless.
Cine-Explore with Darwin, Blaster, and their creator – This is an extensive commentary track with pop-ups and extra behind the scenes videos. Really very cool, but very very long.
Blaster’s Boot Camp – If you wanted to become a member of the G-Force, here’s a list of things you need to do…besides be a rodent. (4:41)
G-Force Mastermind – Jerry Bruckheimer opens this featurette by saying “When I first heard the idea behind G-Force, I thought it was amazing.” Mmmmkay. (4:13)
Bruckheimer Animated – Shows the visual effects behind the movie. (3:12)
Access Granted: Inside the Animation Lab – Shows the animating process. (7:52)
G-Force Bloopers – This blooper reel shows the actors with the stand-in props where the guinea pigs would be. Pretty funny. (1:49)
Deleted Scenes – There are six total, and could have easily fit into the movie. They’re actually pretty funny. (6:17)
Learn How To Take Your Favorite Disney Movies On The Go – How to use your digital copy
Trailers – Ponyo, Genuine Disney: WALL*E (an anti-piracy commercial), Beauty and the Beast: Diamond Edition, Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue, Disney Parks, Dumbo: 70th Anniversary Edition, Alice In Wonderland, on Blu-Ray disc, Disney Movie Rewards
The entire idea behind G-Force is the brainchild of…a child. Director Hoyt Yeatman’s son thought up the idea himself, much like Robert Rodriguez’s son thought up The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl. The ideas are equally matched in silliness, but kids eat this stuff up. G-Force is a certified box office smash, earning the top spot it’s opening weekend. But I’m sure it’s 15 minutes of fame have already begun to wane.
Walt Disney presents G-Force. Directed by: Hoyt Yeatman. Starring: Zack Galifinakis, Sam Rockwell, Tracey Morgan, Penelope Cruz, Bill Nighy. Written by: Cormac Wibberly, Marianne Wibberly. Running time: 88 minutes. Rating: PG. Released on DVD: December 15, 2009. Available at Amazon.com
