2
(nothing direct)
7
(implied violence and crazy creatures)
7
(worth seeing over and over)
One of the best short animated films I’ve ever seen played before "Men in Black 2." "The Chubbchubbs" is a side-splitting animated comedy. There’s a taste of eye candy for fans of Star Wars, Lost In Space, Aliens, and other such sci-fi icons. You don't have to be a sci-fi fan to enjoy it, though. It's cute and funny even if you don't care for the monsters and aliens.
I am amongst the vast majority of movie-going patrons that say this toon is better than the feature presentation it accompanies. The hero is the lovable loser type. He tries to impress everyone around him but only succeeds in showing them all what a klutz he is. When warnings of an imminent Chubbchubb attack reach the karaoke bar where he works the whole place goes into a panic. Fleeing along side everyone else he's the only one to realize a small pack of furry, defenseless critters are in harm's way. He will do everything he can to save them from the Chubbchubbs.
With little dialogue, a limited story, and only one character with any real screentime this little film manages to overcome its limitations to create a satisfying and highly amusing experience. It's well worth the effort to check out.
Morality
"Chubbchubbs" is suitable for children. There’s some implied, comical violence but nothing else even remotely questionable.
Spirituality
While there's nothing truly spiritual here there is something of a message of courage and the rewards of helping others instead of being driven by a desire for popularity. The bumbling hero gets a permanent life power up for stepping up to defend the defenseless, not for being "cool."
Final Thoughts
If you like animation or comedy even just a little bit you need to check out "Chubbchubbs." If you know of a better animated short than this one, chances are you're actually talking about this one and just got the titles mixed up.
Buying Guide
"The Chubbchubbs" is evidently available on its own DVD, but there appears to be nothing else on it so you're paying full price for a 6 minute film. There are better options out there.
It's also included in the 75th Annual Academy Awards Short Films which lists 8 other titles. Or you can get it as a bonus feature with "Men In Black 2."
You're going to get far more bang for your buck by getting any option other than the "Chubbchubbs" by itself. Beyond that all I recommend is he obvious suggestion of whichever fits your interests more.
This version of "Men In Black 2" is a 2 disc DVD. "Chubbchubbs" is on disc 1 mixed in with the preview trailers. I'll go through all the extras for the main feature in its own guide.
Video
1.85:
This is a strong widescreen presentation. It's clearly not HD, but clarity and colors are great.
Audio
5.1 Dolby:
The audio is strong with pretty good surround sound immersion.
Extras
There are none for "The Chubbchubbs" though "Men In Black 2" is loaded.