When you hear the name Peter Jackson, chances are you think of the Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit trilogies. Jackson actually got his start in film doing some pretty wild and crazy films. Making his voice stand out as a storyteller. When you mix that fact with the era of the 1980s, you get something unforgettable - whether you take that in a good way or not, is up to you.
Jackson directed "Chuck E. Cheese" styled puppets for his second outing, Meet the Feebles. Feebles is about the behind the scenes look into what it takes to make a variety hour happen. The only catch the whole world is grown puppets who are animals. Honestly, this film does contain some very interesting dynamics.
Feebles suffers unfortunately from its' medium. The film in and of itself does pose an interesting concept and decent visuals but the story telling aspect is all over the place. Throughout the course of this film you have stories that include a depressed hippo, seedy underbelly of the animal kingdom, watching this world from a new recruit and a dying rabbit. This world would be better served as a television show or even a comic. There is enough material here to suffice in either medium. As a film, however, it's just too busy.
I will say that as goofy as the film feels on the surface. There are moments where it is anything but. Throughout the course of its duration, Feebles tackles serious subject matter like STDs, drug addiction, PTSD, depression and suicide. It never once tries to sugar coat these things. There is one sequence in particular when giving one of the characters a back story. He tells the tell of his time in war and how hard its' been on him psychologically. It's a bold move for a film to endure and Feebles pulls it off beautifully in its' execution.
Overall, Meet the Feebles is an interesting idea bit in some aspects is dead on arrival. It features from riveting and honest portrayals of topics like PTSD, STDS, and suicide. You have to respect it for that. However, the film is so busy with its' various storylines. It feels misplaced in its' medium and makes the narrative extremely hard to follow at times.
FINAL SCORE: 2.5/5
More importantly, if you or someone you know is struggling with suicide, depression, self-harm or addiction, please feel free to reach out, use any of our resources, call the suicide life line: 1-800-273-8255 or text 741-741.
Credits: Meet the Feebles is property of Wing Nut Films. We do not own nor claim any rights.