Portraying social class divisions through a children's movie may not be sophisticated, but it certainly can be entertaining.
The latest in a recent slew of computer animated movies, "Flushed Away" appeals to all ages. While the aesthetically pleasing and witty aspects of the film keep it afloat, a redundant storyline and lack of character development flush away some of its credibility.
"Flushed Away" maintains the trademark clay-mation look of its predecessors, "Chicken Run" and "Wallace & Gromit," while successfully utilizing all computer animation has to offer.
Set mainly in the sewers underneath the streets of London, the underground community of mice and rats parallel the society "up top" with a witty twist. A Big Ben replica is constructed out of piles of garbage and a ship is made from cans and other household items.
The story begins as Roddy (Hugh Jackman, "The Prestige"), a "high society" mouse from up top, gets flushed down a toilet and finds himself out of his element in the underground mouse world. Upon entering this strange world filled with lower-class rodents, slugs and other bottom-dwellers, Roddy immediately panics.
Soon he meets Rita (Kate Winslet, "All the King's Men"), a fiery and independent lady mouse who works on a boat to support her family, which includes 37 siblings. The two pair up and adventure ensues.
Rita and Roddy make a deal to help each other out. Rita will help Roddy return home after they stop the villainous Toad in his tracks. The Toad's master plan consists of ridding the underworld of mice and rats to create a world of amphibians. This pernicious plan is made to coincide with half time at the World Cup. Predictably, the Toad's desires are peppered with obstacles and delays.
A highlight of the film is the group of slugs who intervene with comic relief and entertaining musical numbers.
Unfortunately, rather than portraying the strong protagonist he was intended to be, Roddy comes off as uncharismatic and irritating. He becomes more annoying than humorous each time he shudders at the idea of an adventure. Rita is a much stronger character, not only in terms of the storyline, but she is internally more complex as well.
Luckily, the movie's shortcomings will not be evident to an audience of kids.
The film accomplishes what many others in the genre aim to achieve. It is appealing to children while at the same time offers quips and gags that adults can appreciate.
Although the story isn't anything new, "Flushed Away" succeeds in what it aspires to be: a thoroughly entertaining film jam-packed with excitement and adventure.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
