Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm review
Dramatic Notices by Ron Russo
I attend the film premieres like everybody else, if it’s digital, a home viewing at 12:01 AM; do back to back viewings, and then immediately write the review for that day’s edition, old school (I’m a former Adjunct Film Professor that taught the world’s only Adult Swim college course).
Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm is the second film from Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and the title of the first also includes a colon, Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theatres (2007). It is not uncommon for there to be a long gap between an original and its sequel, but here it is extra long due to The Mooninites, Ignignokt and Err. Small lighted exterior figurines of the animated pair were placed in cities across the US for the original film’s ad campaign. In Boston they were mistaken for explosive devices and caused a full-blown Homeland Security incident.
The prankster Mooninites are at it again in Plantasm with spray paint, cursing, literal scene stealing, substance abuse, and an awesome text campaign! The two creators, Dave Willis and Matt Maiellaro, voice these two characters along with the former doing Meatwad and Carl, too. Dana Snyder is Master Shake, and Carey Means is Frylock, the voice of reason. Aqua Teen Hunger Force has never won an award, even though this voice cast is as memorable as that of many of the Merrie Melodies and Looney Tunes icons. Many years ago, in a class telecon with the creators, I commented to them that they didn’t choose to do the talk show circuit, the answer was they had yet to be invited.
A quick search for Plantasm merch was not bountiful; Where’s the Master Shake underwear and the Mechanite necklace? Per the storyline, the latter has no front to back stability, so my metalsmith spouse had to add perpindicular bases to the feet of the figurine prototype pictured below (Dave received a finished piece).
The film like the TV show features a wide array of comedy including the following: parodies of Austin Powers, Space Jam (including multiple live-action appearances by former NBA Cavs player Shawn Kemp), and Space 1999; gross out humor such as digital 8-bit urine and Used Babywipe Mountain; ethnic humor with Carl’s half Italian heritage; and physical characteristics with the two Neils, one 4’2” and the other 11’3”.
The cast provides three original songs, and Run The Jewels the theme song.
The Plantasm Blu-ray or DVD will make a great gift, and if it’s for a die-hard fan (one who might even get the featured tattoos in the film, Aqua Teen Forever or Aqua Teen Never) add the classic 2009 holiday CD Have Yourself A Meaty Little Christmas featuring Meatwad and Neko Case in Santa Left a Booger in My Stocking, or Master Shake singing, I Sure Hope I Don’t Have to Beat Your Ass This Christmas.
4.9 of 5 stars (it’s missing an ad campaign)
Adult Swim class telecon with creators Matt Maiellaro and Dave Willis. They judged the costume contest-on the bottom left Matt chose Rectangle Square Guy and Dave chose Universal Remonster.