From Croatia With Love

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MOVIE REVIEW
Cricket & Antoinette (Cvrcak i mravica)
G –

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family, Romance
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 22m
Director(s): Luka Rukavina, Kristijan Milic, Dino Krpan
Writer(s): Luka Rukavina, Rona Zulj
Cast: Raini Rodriguez, David Henrie
Where To Watch: will premiere On Demand and Digital on September 24 from Lionsgate

RAVING REVIEW: As whimsy weaves through the narrative, CRICKET & ANTOINETTE is a contemporary retelling of one of Aesop’s fables that speaks volumes about community and self-discovery. In this charming animation, we meet Antoinette (Raini Rodriguez,) an ant whose life of precision and order is upended when she crosses paths with Ket (David Henrie,) a charismatic cricket whose carefree approach to life is enchanting. This odd couple sets the stage for a story that explores the harmonies and discords of their worlds, culminating in the vibrant Roachella Festival.

Directors Luka Rukavina, Kristijan Milic, and Dino Krpan are at the helm of this animated journey. Together, they craft a visually rich experience rare in Croatian cinema, particularly animation, which had their last dip into the genre (a very successful one) in the 1990s. CRICKET & ANTOINETTE represents not just a step but a significant leap in storytelling and cultural representation, painting its scenes with broad, culturally nuanced strokes.

This film does more than pit the industrious ants against the mirthful crickets; it introduces layers of modern relationship dynamics and challenges. The romance between Antoinette and Ket adds a refreshing dimension to the plot while posing thoughtful questions about love across different walks of life—albeit between species. Very reminiscent in style and approach of A BUG’S LIFE and ANTZ, the film brings us down to a ground-level journey.

Despite its ambitious narrative, CRICKET & ANTOINETTE doesn't quite meet the high visual standards of today's industry giants. The heartfelt animation needs more finesse and polish, as seen in mainstream animated films, which might slightly dim its luster for viewers used to more sophisticated graphics.

Although a classic story, the plot occasionally falls into the trap of predictability, echoing familiar themes seen in many films and stories. While Antoinette's journey of enlightenment is beautifully framed, certain comedic elements feel out of place, misfiring in their attempt to connect with contemporary audiences. This may be partly due to the difference between Croation's and American life, so I tried not to lean too heavily into this while rating the film.

Where the film excels is in its musical score. The lively compositions infuse CRICKET & ANTOINETTE with energy and emotion, perfectly pacing the narrative during slower scenes. These musical moments enhance the viewing experience and underscore the film’s overarching themes of diversity and acceptance, weaving a rich auditory experience that resonates with a broad audience.

CRICKET & ANTOINETTE targets a family demographic and hits the mark effectively. While it navigates some cinematic pitfalls, the film remains a solid choice, especially for those interested in exploring international cinema (with English dubbing.) It's an honest portrayal by the Croatian animation industry to tell a story that, despite its flaws, crosses cultural boundaries and offers a window into a world where different beings learn to coexist and understand each other.

While CRICKET & ANTOINETTE may not climb to the pinnacle of animation worldwide, it carves out a niche with a heartfelt narrative and a notable cultural impact. It serves as a milestone in Croatian animation and an engaging reinterpretation of a beloved fable, suitable for audiences around the globe looking for a story with heart, humor, and a symphony of visuals and sound.

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[photo courtesy of LIONSGATE]

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