khrome23 Reviews

Your Friend the Rat (2007 Video)

If you are a rat lover, you will love this film

[3 December 2009]

As a previous owner of fancy rats, I thoroughly enjoyed this accurate recap of the history of rats, and the artists' humorous take on it. Rats are a misunderstood species, given their connection to the plague. I think what the writers were trying to do was to point out to Westerners that our view on rats is based on generations of fear and bad information. It's unfortunate that the tone sounded "stuffy" or "preachy" to the other reviewers - I personally didn't think it did at all. Perhaps people were just not expecting a history lesson.

Rats make great pets - they are independent like cats, smart and loyal like dogs. It still amazes me when people would come over to my house and be shocked that my rat has the run of the place. And shocked that she comes to me when I call her name. I've had to tell them many of the things that were in this film - now I can just refer them to this film and not have to repeat myself over and over.

Aside from the content, the animation was great - a mix of CGI and traditional styles. I love the angular look of the traditional segments, which were reminiscent of the style of Chuck Jones.

The KoAloha Ukulele Story (2008)

An inspiring story

[13 April 2009]

The KoAloha Ukulele Story is an awe-inspiring animated documentary about the beginnings of a now prominent instrument making company. Told, unscripted, by the owner, Alvin Okami, one begins to see that Mr. Okami, or "Papa KoAloha", was touched by a higher power. And that many ideas and resources, literally knocking on his door, were more than mere coincidence.

To Papa KoAloha's vibrant storytelling, Rocky Kev brings whimsical drawings. The two compliment each other very well.

Some might say that director, Gary San Angel, might have been touched by the divine, himself. Having returned from an interview with Papa KoAloha, he found his main video recording to be full of static. But "coincdentily", the back-up audio recording was fine. Thereby, giving him the idea to make it an animated film, turning it from documentary to art piece. Had it been done the conventional style, perhaps the impact of the story would have been lost.

This film has something for everyone. Whether you believe in destiny or not, whether you believe in a higher power or not, or whether you are a ukulele enthusiast or not - you can still appreciate the artistic styling, and Papa KoAloha's inviting, storytelling voice drawing you in, as if you were there in the room with him.