This film was regularly shown on "The Disney Channel" in the mid-1990s, back when the channel had quality entertainment. I must have seen this movie several times back then. While the plot is rather weak, the animation is absolutely wonderful. I love this film because, rather than in spite, of its eclectic and eccentric animation styles. I also enjoy the songs in this film; were "Raggedy Ann and Andy" released today, there would be no doubt that someone would try to transform it into a successful Broadway musical. When designing the movements of Raggedy Ann and Andy, the animators mixed realistic rotoscoped human movements with the fanciful tumbles and contortions one would expect of rag dolls. In keeping with the psychedelic styles of the 1970s, this film features some bizarre and crazy sequences, in particular those involving a creature made of living taffy called The Greedy, and Looney Land. The Greedy is a particularly inspired character, as he is a liquid rather than solid being, and he is constantly flowing and spilling over himself, and his features constantly change. The animation shows a whimsical and childlike form of creativity, which I feel is perfect for a movie involving living toys as iconic as Raggedy Ann and Andy.
Like the adult movie "Heavy Metal," "Raggedy Ann and Andy" is ultimately about style over substance. The film does have a plot, but much of the story diverts into subplots that have little bearing on the main story. The weird and inspired animation is the movie's main attraction. Many people have criticized the movie for this, and it does detract somewhat from this film's quality, but I nonetheless find the movie ultimately entertaining and beautiful. There are some good themes about love, friendship and the importance of cooperation in times of difficulty, although they are not developed enough to make an impression on the minds of the target audience of small children. In spite of this film's flaws, the subplots are in themselves amusing and wonderful to watch, and their sense of weirdness only help to cement this film as a cult classic in the minds of the Generation Y viewers who saw it on the Disney Channel. The voices are also inspired. Didi Conn, best known as Frenchie in "Grease," is perfect as the kind, gentle and sweet-natured Raggedy Ann. Her brother, voiced by theater actor Mark Baker, is also well-defined as a plucky, sarcastic yet compassionate character. Character actor Marty Brill is amusing as the curmudgeonly, Teutonic-accented antagonist King Koo Koo. His henchman, mad and sadistic prankster known as the Looney Knight, is voiced by "Laugh-In" player Alan Sues. Sues is able to channel the mischievous persona of the infamous Knight through deranged giggles and cackles.
I recommend this movie as a way to pass the time with your kids. Viewers of all ages will enjoy the funky animation and positive messages in this film. The plot's not well-defined, but I doubt child viewers will care too much. Enjoy this classic directed by veteran animator Richard Williams.
Like the adult movie "Heavy Metal," "Raggedy Ann and Andy" is ultimately about style over substance. The film does have a plot, but much of the story diverts into subplots that have little bearing on the main story. The weird and inspired animation is the movie's main attraction. Many people have criticized the movie for this, and it does detract somewhat from this film's quality, but I nonetheless find the movie ultimately entertaining and beautiful. There are some good themes about love, friendship and the importance of cooperation in times of difficulty, although they are not developed enough to make an impression on the minds of the target audience of small children. In spite of this film's flaws, the subplots are in themselves amusing and wonderful to watch, and their sense of weirdness only help to cement this film as a cult classic in the minds of the Generation Y viewers who saw it on the Disney Channel. The voices are also inspired. Didi Conn, best known as Frenchie in "Grease," is perfect as the kind, gentle and sweet-natured Raggedy Ann. Her brother, voiced by theater actor Mark Baker, is also well-defined as a plucky, sarcastic yet compassionate character. Character actor Marty Brill is amusing as the curmudgeonly, Teutonic-accented antagonist King Koo Koo. His henchman, mad and sadistic prankster known as the Looney Knight, is voiced by "Laugh-In" player Alan Sues. Sues is able to channel the mischievous persona of the infamous Knight through deranged giggles and cackles.
I recommend this movie as a way to pass the time with your kids. Viewers of all ages will enjoy the funky animation and positive messages in this film. The plot's not well-defined, but I doubt child viewers will care too much. Enjoy this classic directed by veteran animator Richard Williams.