Reviewed by Jami Ferguson
In the animated comedy-adventure, The Angry Birds Movie, we’ll finally find out why the birds are so angry. The movie takes us to an island populated entirely by happy, flightless birds – or almost entirely. In this paradise, Red (Jason Sudeikis), a bird with a temper problem, speedy Chuck (Josh Gad), and the volatile Bomb (Danny McBride) have always been outsiders. But when the island is visited by mysterious green piggies, it’s up to these unlikely outcasts to figure out what the pigs are up to. The Angry Birds Movie, based on the highly popular game, is now available to own. The film is available on a variety of high definition formats and will answer the question, what makes the Angry Birds so angry. The Combo Pack includes a lengthy list of fun extras for the family to enjoy.
Red (Jason Sudeikis) finds himself in court after a hatchday (bird birthday) cake delivery has gone wrong. He explains that he is simply a passionate bird. After accusing the judge of being the one with an anger issue, Red is sentenced to anger management. The judge explains that the other birds don’t like Red. In fact, when he moved his home out to the beach no one tried to stop him.
All the birds around Red seem very happy and patient. Waiting for hatchling and elderly bird crossing is only one of the many aggravations of his day. He declines the hug trader, makes his way past the mime and is welcomed to anger management by a very annoying sign. Matilda (Maya Rudolph) is the calmness guru who runs the anger management sessions. Red will be stuck there until she sees fit. Also attending the classes are Bomb (Danny McBride) (a bird who explodes when surprised or upset), Chuck (Josh Gad) who has a speeding problem and Terence (Sean Penn) who is big and angry looking.
Red may think he’s experienced some real problems but soon a mysterious green piggie arrives. The piggie Leonard (Bill Hader) lands his boat on Red’s home. Only Red suspects Leonard and his sidekick Ross (Tony Hale) of being up to no good, at first. Red and his unusual new friends from the anger group must travel to find their protector, the Mighty Eagle (Peter Dinklage). Additional voice actors include Keegan-Michael Key, Kate McKinnon, Tituss Burgess and Jillian Bell.
The Angry Birds Movie was well received by my 8 year old son, who enjoys the game and sees the humor in Red’s anger. My husband was not a fan. I liked the film during its theatrical release and still found it enjoyable in the repeated viewings since owning the film. Great care was taken to make the flightless birds come to life and the film is true to its video game roots. The angry birds have the incredible abilities (except flight) that you find in the game and the piggie’s city is stacked just as you’d find it in the app. The popular squawks and oinks can be found throughout the movie, but can also be removed with symphony mode.
If the game irritated you (even with squawks muted) this movie is not going to be for you. Nothing about it is going to change an angry bird hater into a fan. Whether or not you are familiar with the game, it is worth it to give the movie a try. With young children in the house, parents are often subjected to a lot of terrible family films. My measure with an animated film is simply “would I mind watching it again?” In this case, the answer is no, I don’t mind and I have enjoyed it on several occasions.
The 4K Ultra Angry Birds movie is absolutely flawless. The colors are beyond brilliant. Each angry bird has a unique fur color and texture. Bomb’s inadvertent explosions look amazingly realistic and the shadow and texture that brings the piggies to life is remarkable. Sony has done an excellent job with this release with no apparent flaws. The 3D version is also excellent and really stands out with all of the gags coming out of the screen. Despite the 3D image, the colors remain bright and vibrant throughout. There's some ghosting evident in some of the scenes, but overall the 3D version is great.
The Angry Birds Movie features an immersive DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack. Music dominates much of the film and helps bring the characters to life. Directionality is crucial when a bird or piggie is catapulted across the screen and it is as though they just flew through your living room. The action does ramp up and is handled well with multiple layers of detail in this excellent presentation.
The following supplemental features are found in the category “no eggs in here!”
- Hatchlings – A series of shorts featuring the little angry birds titled “Early Hatchling Gets the Worm”, “Easter”, “Mother’s Day”, “Holiday” and “Meet the Hatchlings”. Each featurette can be selected individually or with the play all function.
- Angry Birds Action! How to Sync – A commercial for what appears to be the game based on the movie based on the game. They promise magic will happen if you open the app during the movie, but never actually give any how to advice.
- Deleted Scenes – Available individually or with play all function are the following:
- Bonus Scene – Chuck’s Rescue
- Happy Birthday!
- Red’s Apology
- Coconut Story
- Whoopie Cushion
- Mighty Eagle
- Dance Along Birds and Pigs – A young lady in a pig nose (with the help of some birds and pigs) shows you some country steps. A four way split screen included movie clips along to dance along with.
- Crafty Birds – Keep your fingers on the pause button as you watch craft projects using items in your house .
- Creating the Real World of Angry Birds – Voice actors Jason Sudeikis and Josh Gad join you for a look at how everything is made. They quickly admit they don’t know much about it and turn the featurette over to the production people who do.
- Bubbles and Hal – Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox introduce their characters and discuss a lack of anger.
- Meet the Birds – This extra features Red, Bomb and Chuck. Cast and crew discuss the many versions from video game to movie character.
- Meet the Pigs – Bill Hader introduces his character Leonard and his filthy pig ways. The Directors discuss the charming, likable villain. Tony Hale explains that he’s not dumb like his character. Filmmakers take a look at design and motivation of the little green guys.
- Music Video – Blake Shelton’s music video for the song “Friends” which is prominently featured in the film. Blake Shelton, backup band and a few feathered friends appear in the video.
- Making Music with Composer Heitor Pereira – Individually or with play all function are “Red’s Theme”, Pig’s Theme”, “Chuck’s Theme” “Action Music!”, “Mission Theme” and Red’s Anger Theme”. The Composer plays a variety of instruments, tells stories about the writing process, takes you behind the scenes and talks about what resonated with him in each character or situation.
- Photo Gallery – Characters, Piggy Island, and Bird Island are explored in slideshow or toggle gallery selection format.
- In-theater Policy Trailers – Individually or with play all function are important messages including “A Gift for Chuck”, “Join Your Friends”, and “Silence Your Birdphone”.
- Symphony Mode – Gives you the option to watch Angry Birds without the Squawks and Oinks.
- Scene Selections
- Previews – Angry Birds Toons – Season 3, Volume 1; Surf’s Up 2: Wave Mania; and Open Season: Scared Silly.
The Angry Birds Movie is a fun energetic film. The filmmakers put tremendous thought into the details required to make this work. Having disliked the Angry Birds Toon series, I was reluctant about this release and am happy to be wrong. I recommend the film for all, but especially the elementary school crowd, who is sure to be amused.
Order your copy today!
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