I said before and I'll say it again. Don Bluth is the most underappreciated animation filmmakers. Even if his work post All Dogs go to heaven is lacking in quality, he's still admirable.
To be honest, I enjoyed The Pebble and the Penguin because I love Penguins in general. It’s very rare to see a theatrical animated penguin movie now a days. I mean we got The Pebble and the Penguin, Happy Feet 1 and 2, Surf’s Up, and Penguin of Madagascar from 2014 and that was the latest animated penguin movie released in theaters.
@@connorplisga3718 Fun Fact: When John Pomeroy left P&tP, he began to work at Disney animating John Smith from Pocahontas. He also animated the Fire Bird from Fantasia 2000. So weirdly enough some good things out Penguin's terrible production.
I'd say it started with the abysmal "Land Before Time" sequels. "Hey let's turn the color palette up to Candy and have all the characters sing! Kids are stupid! They won't notice the original wasn't a musical!"
Not gonna lie, This is that one Don Bluth that always lingered at the back of my mind growing up. I almost got the movie at an aquarium once (I'm not kidding) but my Dad told me to put it down. Thing is, I wanted to get the movie.
@@hunterolaughlinWell, There are a lot of movies centered around aquatic animals so why not capitalize on it and sell movies there so kids could pick them up?
7:07- "...the movie still has some stunning animation," says AniMat as a brief clip showing an animation error is depicted. I don't know whether or not that edit of the video was planned, but either way, I did get a good chuckle. Bless you, Mat!
This may not be one of Don Bluth's best movies, but at least it's one of the better films from his dark age. I have no idea what the next classic review is going to be, but as long as it doesn't get the seal of approval, I'll be fine with it, the reason why is a long story. Anyway, I got a little theory for the little spoiler Animat mentioned and just in case, SPOILER ALERT: The reason why I think Rocko was able to fly in the end is because since he seemed to have Hubie's pebble in his possession at the time, that might've given him the power to fly. I'm sure it's a plausible theory, but then again, it's just a theory and not something the movie confirmed.
@@warrirornunluv801 Fun Fact: When John Pomeroy left P&tP, he began to work at Disney animating John Smith from Pocahontas. He also animated the Fire Bird from Fantasia 2000.
Well the movie songs are written by Barry Manilow and it’s possible that he was sick of being called a hack that he said “You show them my music! Notes and everything! Then they’ll see I really wrote this shit!!”
When it comes to this movie, I didn't get into it much when I was young, but when I got to watching it, I found myself really liking Rocko and Drake, mostly because of their fun characterizations and terrific performances by Jim Belushi and Tim Curry respectively (especially the latter because he always makes an awesome voice actor for villainous characters). I also like the action scene with the killer whales, since it's quite an intense sequence. While I don't consider this movie one of Don Bluth's best, I don't consider it one of his worst either. There's plenty of room for improvement, but what we got was still nice enough. Also, even if you think Adelie Penguins are "a group of terrifying demons in tuxedos", I still consider them my favorite species of penguin. All in all, however, this was quite an entertaining review, so good job once again. As for the next review, I don't know what it's going to be, but I'm curious to see what happens, and here's hoping the animation for that film doesn't leave the characters broken like the animation did for the characters here! XD
Omg! I actually put in a request for Steven universe the movie last week. I thought it would’ve took another month or two but this is big fucking convince. I’m glad that there’s still some steven universe fans out there.
I loved "The Pebble and the Penguin" as a kid! It may not be as good as Don Bluth's other works like "All Dogs Go To Heaven" But it was a film that I really enjoyed!!!
agreed, i just realized that maybe it touched the string about musicals in my heart: for some reason i rarely watched something as a kid, but i remember this movie atmosphere as very unique. I remember open tittles, it is so rare now actually - it has that stylyzed, rare to that days cg, with note sheets and characters. Symbols and characters merging in one narrative and then go by sides to get together in musical parts - it is very beautifully made movie. Also that thing with adventure of main heroes being dangerous often - that seal moment, ship, others. And great happy ending, celebrating joy and beauty of life. It's just... beautiful
It's probably just me, but I always liked the arctic backgrounds here. Maybe it has to do with the details on the ice and snow, the overall atmosphere, or reminding me of something else from my early childhood. Same goes for the colors, especially during some of the musical numbers. As for the story, they really should've done more with the titular pebble. Heck, since others suggested said pebble allowed Rocko to fly, maybe Hubie could've loaned his pebble to Rocko in exchange for help getting home (after testing out those powers first). Maybe along the way, the two would fight over who deserves the pebble the most, only to lose it and eventually reconcile their friendship. In the end, Rocko could still find alternatives to flight, Hubie could give Marina a normal pebble, and everyone would still live happily ever after.
This movie was a guilty pleasure of mine as a kid. Both Tim Curry's villain songs for this movie and Ferngully are my favorites " Don't Make Me Laugh" and "Toxic Love", they still pop into my head, even as an adult. I loved the song "Now and Forever" by Barry Manilow and Sheena Easton that I used it in my wedding.
11:34 “Oh that’s mushy stuff!” in that exact tone is an expression my siblings and I would say to one another growing up. I’ve unlocked a core memory watching this.
Can you please do some reviews of kids shows like Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Bluey, the Dora franchise, Little Einsteins, and Zoboomafoo? I also recommend a review on a positive Disney sequel, Peter Pan in Return to Neverland. Lastly, I'd love a review Jurassic Park and Jaws.
This Movie is a guilty pleasure for me. Sure, it's nowhere near's as good as the 80s Don Bluth films and Anastasia, but it is an improvement over Troll in Central Park.
Great Review Animat and Next Time on Animat’s Classic Reviews Animat is leaving Antarctica and heading to Beach City to Film Adaptation of The Beloved Cartoon Network Series about a Boy and Three Ladies with Gem Powers and perfect timing too considering the fact that this Year is The Show’s 10th Anniversary and I for one can’t wait
2:47 - 3:12 I should also point out that those are not Adeline penguins but the closely related yet larger and faster Gentoo penguins. That nitpick aside, this film actually was butchered by the executives too, so it was literally ruined too.
Well, The Pebble and the Penguin is not the best film from Don Bluth, but it is the worst. However, if I were to watch an animated film starring talking penguins I would stick with Happy Feet or Surf’s Up. Anyways, the next review will be Steven Universe The Movie. Now I am both excited yet also intrigued with this one. Excited because he will be reviewing something related that is Steven Universe. But I am intrigued to see where this goes. Like he said, he never watched any episodes of the show, so this will be his first experience with it, especially that is set between the OG series and Future. So this will be a fascinating one to witness just like when he reviewed the 2017 MLP movie. Although, Steven Universe the movie has a large quantity of songs, so I hope it won’t be too much for him.
When said “Me too” were you referring to the part when I was saying what penguin movies are better or the part involving the next classic review. Despite the movie he is going to review next was released the year before the pandemic began.
Hands down, my favorite Don Bluth movie ever. This may not be the perfect film, but I find really cute to enjoy. I'm just glad I can enjoy a 90's Bluth film besides Anastasia
I will admit, it’s a decent Don Bluth movie. Basically pre-Happy Feet, basically. Not only are there statue stiff characters, but there is one instance where the orca whale was ascending in a slow motion-like pace while Hubie is moving regularly. Shows that its budget and production went down the toilet.
Oh come on! I thought the crew behind this would’ve learned their lesson from Rock-a-Doodle in not having everything that the viewer can see on screen for themselves explained to them like they’re preschoolers. Like, it’s fine to have SOME narration, but not for every scene. Most scenes you can just let them speak for themselves without needing to clarify what is happening or how the characters are feeling during said scenes.
@@joshuafischer8934 I bet Don is kicking himself for leaving Spielberg. Sure, his films under Spielberg were far from safe from going through some changes such as some scenes being removed from The Land Before Time to make it more suitable for kids, but at least the changes weren’t as bad as the ones MGM made to his films.
@@joshuafischer8934 Fun Fact: When John Pomeroy left P&tP, he began to work at Disney animating John Smith from Pocahontas. He also animated the Fire Bird from Fantasia 2000.
The 80s and 90s had a bountiful amount of bodybuilding villains. 🏋🏻♂️ Drake with his unrealistic upper body strength. Ratigan, who is a super ripped Victorian crime lord. 🎩❤️🔥 Gaston. No one's built like Gaston. Also, the TV villains, like Skeletor, Cobra Commander, Mumm-ra.
Tim Curry is the greatest. AniMat's Classic Reviews Requests: Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue Space Jam Thomas and the Magic Railroad Monsters, Inc. The Plague Dogs Animalympics The Seventh Brother Samson and Sally Peter No-Tail in America
Hi ElectricDragon505. I must say you are the best film-critic (since Roger Ebert). You are very good to explain about the animation and i’m really impressed.
I have such fond memories of this movie. It’s probably just nostalgia, and I can notice and understand its weaker points, but I still love to watch it. My wedding shower was penguin-themed because of this movie.
Truly, this was the last animated movie from Sullivan Bluth Studios and the studio went down in history on October 31st, 1995! (plus I first saw this movie in Elementary School back then!)
I lately had thoughts of Animat one day reviewing the Steven Universe Movie and low and behold he’s going for it. PS I found the Pebble And The Penguin kind of good, not one of Don Bluth’s best but what can you do?
Haven’t seen the film yet, but considering how disastrous the production went for this movie. I can understand why this film can be a mixed bag. At least it’s better than Rock a Doodle and Troll in Central Park. I think the Steven universe movie review is coming up next
❤️💖 In my honest in my nostalgic childhood, I did enjoyed the Pebble and the Penguin in my childhood. Its okay. Granted, it's no where near as worse a Don Bluth worse films like Troll in Central Park or Rock a Doodle and it's not near as good as Don Bluth's best films like the Secret of Nimh, An American Tail, the Land Before Time, All Dogs Go to Heaven, and Anastasia. It's not Don Bluth's fault nor the crew members faults. It's all the executives meddling fault of they weren't being too picky 😒 on the movie quality what the filmmakers were going through. Don Bluth would have made a good movie about penguins 🐧 since they are my favorite birds 🐦 if it weren't for those annoying cringey meddling executives. 😃😀😄😁😊😉 👍🏻 💖❤️
Oh boy, this movie. Also, During this movie’s original Theatrical run, there was a pink Panther cartoon short based on his 1993 show called driving Mr. pink.
To say for this film, Not on my list of movies I would watch, In fact, sadly I remember it was one of those films I used to get bored of when I was little and did not really find enjoyment till later on. Nowadays I can be on the same page and only pick a few things I do like, Such as Drake (Because Well.. It's Tim Curry! Who Doesn't Love his acting!) and some of the songs. I'll say for the next review... Oh boy! Not that it's a bad thing, but as a fan it was "Gasp! Ooooff My Heart!" And for someone new like you, Hope you have a tissue box ready, this is going to be interesting.
*AniMat's Classic Reviews 2023 ranked:* #1: Ernest & Celestine *9/10* #2: Coonskin *8.6/10* #3: The Land Before Time *8.6/10* #4: Fox & the Hound *7.3/10* #5: Robin Hood *7.3/10* #6: Cars *6.7/10* #7: Chickenhare *5.3/10* #8: Pebble & the Penguin *5/10* * #9: Secret of NIMH 2 *2.75/10* *Yeah Mat got the math wrong on his P&P rating
I think This and Thumbelina (If not A Troll in Central Park) served as a teaching for Don Bluth, Gary Goldman and their animators on how to properly structure an animated musical, in which the Disney-Princess knowck-off from 20th century Fox Anastasia would fit perfectly as an animated musical two years after this one in 1997. (And even though it's primarily on a historical urban legend and rumor in the events after the Russian Revolution (Both Democratic-Republican Menshevik February Revolution that really toppled the 300 year Romanov autocratic dynasty rule in 1917 and the Bolshevik Communist unified dictatorship of the working class in October of 1917, on the old Julian calendar.). Before I get into any further historical accuracy detail which I won't, I'm saying that as a Disney-style 90's animated musical, Anastasia is the only one of Don Bluth's animated creations that actually became a stage musical on Broadway 19 years later, but only because i'ts legacy had been preserved more strongly than others.
The Pebble and the Penguin was my childhood. Still surprised that it like many other animated films from the 90s (other than Disney & DreamWorks) didn't age very well.
Barry Mannilow and Bruce Sussman (insert Among Us joke here) wouldve honestly gone on to be musical legends like Alan Menken/Howard Ashman, Robert Lopez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, etc if they were given better movies to work with. Between their better songs in this and Thumbelina, and the Copacabanna musical, they have alot of potential.
Though he did a Don Bluth episode on his channel, I still hope that Saberspark still does What The Hell episodes on Bluth's lesser films. I bet he has as good material for his review as he does reviewing El Arca, Alibaba and Marmaduke.
The short running time and many of the plot problems can be attributed to executives chopping the film up, cutting and reordering scenes, and then rushing production. No wonder Don left. He already had to deal with the same thing on "Land Before Time."
@@hunterolaughlin Fun Fact: When John Pomeroy left P&tP, he began to work at Disney animating John Smith from Pocahontas. He also animated the Fire Bird from Fantasia 2000.
Maybe it would’ve help the story better if the pebble gave anyone who touched it super powers, causing Hubbie and Drake to fight over it. But I guess that would be too silly.
Funny that this is the only movie Don Bluth didn't want any credit for. That means he was PROUD of A Troll in Central Park which I think is much worse.
@ElectricDragon505 'The Pebble And The Penguin' isn't bad or good. It's just okay. There's some good stuff in there, the best thing being the development of Hubie and Rocko's relationship. I hope that some day, we will get a remake(preferrably hand-drawn) that improves on the story and gets rid of the vast majority of the songs that are in the original.
Honestly I like how in the beginning you see Hubie stutter and be fearful later after when the Killer Whales attack him and Rocko you see his bravery really shine but in between still you his character development
Just gonna say, it's in the middle for me on this. The performance wasn't bad (especially Tim Currey to me just cause), the art was nice, the songs were a bit catchy and well, can only say better than A Troll in Central Park, especially Secret of NIHM 2
I just watched this the other week. In comparison to other Don Bluth movies, I feel this one was in the middle. Most of the characters are likable, despite I found Marina a little too basic and more like a lamer version of Belle, considering her “friendship” with Drake. Huebie (?) was decent, but Rocko was definitely the best character imo. I don’t think the small bird kids even had names. I agree, I feel the Ship Misery scene was were it clearly changed direction in the story, I assumed they would be stuck in a zoo or aquarium and Huebie is trying to figure out how to leave to get back home. But no, all they do is get stuck on a random island and have to swim back. I actually found most of the songs pretty decent except for maybe the ship misery one. I will say the final battle between Drake and Huebie was pretty disappointing. When Drake came back I fully expected he would kidnap Marina or maybe try flinging Huebie over the edge to feed the orcas, and maybe Drake slips on the ice and falls into an orca’s mouth or something, considering Don Bluth has had death scenes in his movies before. My only question is why Drake kept threatening Marnia with the law, saying any unmated penguins would be banished. Why not show a penguin that had been banished or something to show Marina reluctantly agreeing to marry him after believing Huebie is dead/gone forever
I do remember watching this when I was little… Anns was probably the only don Bluth film if you don’t count land before Time sequels I ever saw as a kid.
Funny that a film from Don Bluth's dark age in the early to mid 90s didn't get the Animat's Seal of Garbage. By the way, I'm excited that the next classic review is Steven Universe: The Movie.
Here are the review scores AniMat give them so far. An American Tail (1986) - 8/10 The Land Before Time (1988) - 9/10 All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989) - 7.5/10 Rock-a-Doodle (1991) - 4/10 The Pebble and the Penguin (1995) - 6/10 Titan A.E. (2000) - 5/10
Yeah, but even though it is based on Don Bluth's Work, but what ratings did he gave the story, animation, characters and songs? Besides 3/10 with the whole film.
Thank God you didn’t give this the AniMat Seal of Garbage! This film was one of my favorite movies that I’d watch on videocassette over and over as a child, and even as a grownup, I see it as a massive guilty pleasure, mostly out of my own personal nostalgia for it, and Tim Curry’s performance as Drake! P.S. The villain song “Don’t Make Me Laugh” lives in my head rent free!
I kinda understand the story is fucked sugar-coated, little fix is to address animal exploitation in the middle by addressing caged birds. The subplot is fixed by freeing the birds, I know is too dark for executives but it makes the journey more engaging.
I said before and I'll say it again. Don Bluth is the most underappreciated animation filmmakers. Even if his work post All Dogs go to heaven is lacking in quality, he's still admirable.
I wonder if we'll ever get the original uncut version of the film ?
@@WhiteDarkness3113
I wasn't aware there's a director's cut.
@@alienboy1322 This film is important because Don Bluth had a hard time with musicals. So it may have prepared Bluth when making Anastasia and Bartok.
a lot of scenes in the film were cut by the mpaa to avoid the PG rating. i'm still surprised that this film is rated G.
Say what you want about this movie, but Tim Curry is the best part, as usual
Yes
Very very true!
The real question is, when is Tim Curry never the welcome part of any movie?
James Belushi comes close as the second best part with his performance as Rocko.
Drake Is a Gulity Pleasure and no one else can't handle his *"Toxic Love"*
Wrong Tim Curry role
Fax!
Wait a minute...
To be honest, I enjoyed The Pebble and the Penguin because I love Penguins in general. It’s very rare to see a theatrical animated penguin movie now a days. I mean we got The Pebble and the Penguin, Happy Feet 1 and 2, Surf’s Up, and Penguin of Madagascar from 2014 and that was the latest animated penguin movie released in theaters.
Well, at least the Pebble and the Penguin didn’t get the AniMat Seal of Garbage this time. That is a relief.
17:35 13:31
What do you mean this time?
It means that it got a 6 out of 10.
That’s a relief
@@georgerobertson7010 The Nostalgia Critic said it best, (of all the bad Don Bluth films this is easily the least bad it almost works.)
Hearing AniMat say 50% titty absolutely ascended me 😂😂
Next Up is Steven Universe: The Movie. I have 10 words to say about this.
That’s Right, I heard the story over and over again.
Before "All Dogs Go to Heaven 2" and "The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue", MGM's interference with Don Bluth's artistry had to begin with this!
And those two atrocities make Pebble and the Penguin look like Lion King in comparison
@@connorplisga3718 Fun Fact: When John Pomeroy left P&tP, he began to work at Disney animating John Smith from Pocahontas. He also animated the Fire Bird from Fantasia 2000. So weirdly enough some good things out Penguin's terrible production.
I'd say it started with the abysmal "Land Before Time" sequels. "Hey let's turn the color palette up to Candy and have all the characters sing! Kids are stupid! They won't notice the original wasn't a musical!"
@@MeganKoumori The problem is that the dark story of Land Before Time is a hard sell to kids now a days.
Tim Curry continuing to give 110% to a film that only gave around 70%. Bless that man.
Not gonna lie, This is that one Don Bluth that always lingered at the back of my mind growing up. I almost got the movie at an aquarium once (I'm not kidding) but my Dad told me to put it down. Thing is, I wanted to get the movie.
Wow! They were selling this movie at an aquarium? What a weird place to sell animated films.
@@hunterolaughlinWell, There are a lot of movies centered around aquatic animals so why not capitalize on it and sell movies there so kids could pick them up?
They had the VHS at the Shedd Aquarium gift shops. That's something I just remember as the most nineties possible thing.
I actually had this movie on VHS and use to watch it as a teenager. It's a decent flick.
I believe the next review is Steven Universe: The Movie.
Me: Are you talking about Steven Universe The Movie
7:07- "...the movie still has some stunning animation," says AniMat as a brief clip showing an animation error is depicted.
I don't know whether or not that edit of the video was planned, but either way, I did get a good chuckle. Bless you, Mat!
This may not be one of Don Bluth's best movies, but at least it's one of the better films from his dark age. I have no idea what the next classic review is going to be, but as long as it doesn't get the seal of approval, I'll be fine with it, the reason why is a long story. Anyway, I got a little theory for the little spoiler Animat mentioned and just in case, SPOILER ALERT:
The reason why I think Rocko was able to fly in the end is because since he seemed to have Hubie's pebble in his possession at the time, that might've given him the power to fly. I'm sure it's a plausible theory, but then again, it's just a theory and not something the movie confirmed.
Nah, I’ll accept your explanation since the film is not giving one.
@@hunterolaughlin The pebble DID came from space...
@@warrirornunluv801 Fun Fact: When John Pomeroy left P&tP, he began to work at Disney animating John Smith from Pocahontas. He also animated the Fire Bird from Fantasia 2000.
Well the movie songs are written by Barry Manilow and it’s possible that he was sick of being called a hack that he said “You show them my music! Notes and everything! Then they’ll see I really wrote this shit!!”
When it comes to this movie, I didn't get into it much when I was young, but when I got to watching it, I found myself really liking Rocko and Drake, mostly because of their fun characterizations and terrific performances by Jim Belushi and Tim Curry respectively (especially the latter because he always makes an awesome voice actor for villainous characters). I also like the action scene with the killer whales, since it's quite an intense sequence. While I don't consider this movie one of Don Bluth's best, I don't consider it one of his worst either. There's plenty of room for improvement, but what we got was still nice enough. Also, even if you think Adelie Penguins are "a group of terrifying demons in tuxedos", I still consider them my favorite species of penguin. All in all, however, this was quite an entertaining review, so good job once again.
As for the next review, I don't know what it's going to be, but I'm curious to see what happens, and here's hoping the animation for that film doesn't leave the characters broken like the animation did for the characters here! XD
A movie so bad that Don Bluth tried to pull an Alan Smithee and have his name removed from the credits.
Omg! I actually put in a request for Steven universe the movie last week. I thought it would’ve took another month or two but this is big fucking convince. I’m glad that there’s still some steven universe fans out there.
I loved "The Pebble and the Penguin" as a kid! It may not be as good as Don Bluth's other works like "All Dogs Go To Heaven" But it was a film that I really enjoyed!!!
agreed, i just realized that maybe it touched the string about musicals in my heart: for some reason i rarely watched something as a kid, but i remember this movie atmosphere as very unique. I remember open tittles, it is so rare now actually - it has that stylyzed, rare to that days cg, with note sheets and characters. Symbols and characters merging in one narrative and then go by sides to get together in musical parts - it is very beautifully made movie. Also that thing with adventure of main heroes being dangerous often - that seal moment, ship, others. And great happy ending, celebrating joy and beauty of life. It's just... beautiful
Honestly, it is fine. I just really disliked Hubie.
I wish the cut scenes were found just like The Land Before Time.
Don Bluth had a downfall for many years. But while A Troll In Central Park is his worst film this one is... a mixed bag to me.
It's probably just me, but I always liked the arctic backgrounds here. Maybe it has to do with the details on the ice and snow, the overall atmosphere, or reminding me of something else from my early childhood. Same goes for the colors, especially during some of the musical numbers.
As for the story, they really should've done more with the titular pebble. Heck, since others suggested said pebble allowed Rocko to fly, maybe Hubie could've loaned his pebble to Rocko in exchange for help getting home (after testing out those powers first). Maybe along the way, the two would fight over who deserves the pebble the most, only to lose it and eventually reconcile their friendship. In the end, Rocko could still find alternatives to flight, Hubie could give Marina a normal pebble, and everyone would still live happily ever after.
This movie was a guilty pleasure of mine as a kid. Both Tim Curry's villain songs for this movie and Ferngully are my favorites " Don't Make Me Laugh" and "Toxic Love", they still pop into my head, even as an adult.
I loved the song "Now and Forever" by Barry Manilow and Sheena Easton that I used it in my wedding.
13:32 I have yet to see this flick, but Drake has the same black-grey-purple color scheme as Jenner and Carface.
11:34 “Oh that’s mushy stuff!” in that exact tone is an expression my siblings and I would say to one another growing up. I’ve unlocked a core memory watching this.
I’m surprised Don Bluth removed his name from the credits on this one. Great review as always AniMat.
Steven Universe: The Movie is next
Or It’s probably Regular Show The Movie
Or maybe even The Loud House Movie.
OH MY GOD YES!😃
I actually feel like I'm going to cry. I love that movie.
And if it's not that...I will be sad, but beggers can't be choosers.
Ah Tim Curry still giving a million percent in everything
Can you please do some reviews of kids shows like Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Bluey, the Dora franchise, Little Einsteins, and Zoboomafoo? I also recommend a review on a positive Disney sequel, Peter Pan in Return to Neverland. Lastly, I'd love a review Jurassic Park and Jaws.
This Movie is a guilty pleasure for me. Sure, it's nowhere near's as good as the 80s Don Bluth films and Anastasia, but it is an improvement over Troll in Central Park.
This was one of my favorite childhood movies!
Great Review Animat and Next Time on Animat’s Classic Reviews Animat is leaving Antarctica and heading to Beach City to Film Adaptation of The Beloved Cartoon Network Series about a Boy and Three Ladies with Gem Powers and perfect timing too considering the fact that this Year is The Show’s 10th Anniversary and I for one can’t wait
2:47 - 3:12 I should also point out that those are not Adeline penguins but the closely related yet larger and faster Gentoo penguins.
That nitpick aside, this film actually was butchered by the executives too, so it was literally ruined too.
Well, The Pebble and the Penguin is not the best film from Don Bluth, but it is the worst. However, if I were to watch an animated film starring talking penguins I would stick with Happy Feet or Surf’s Up.
Anyways, the next review will be Steven Universe The Movie. Now I am both excited yet also intrigued with this one. Excited because he will be reviewing something related that is Steven Universe. But I am intrigued to see where this goes. Like he said, he never watched any episodes of the show, so this will be his first experience with it, especially that is set between the OG series and Future. So this will be a fascinating one to witness just like when he reviewed the 2017 MLP movie.
Although, Steven Universe the movie has a large quantity of songs, so I hope it won’t be too much for him.
Me too.
When said “Me too” were you referring to the part when I was saying what penguin movies are better or the part involving the next classic review. Despite the movie he is going to review next was released the year before the pandemic began.
Hands down, my favorite Don Bluth movie ever. This may not be the perfect film, but I find really cute to enjoy. I'm just glad I can enjoy a 90's Bluth film besides Anastasia
5 nights at Penguins
I will admit, it’s a decent Don Bluth movie. Basically pre-Happy Feet, basically. Not only are there statue stiff characters, but there is one instance where the orca whale was ascending in a slow motion-like pace while Hubie is moving regularly. Shows that its budget and production went down the toilet.
Oh come on! I thought the crew behind this would’ve learned their lesson from Rock-a-Doodle in not having everything that the viewer can see on screen for themselves explained to them like they’re preschoolers. Like, it’s fine to have SOME narration, but not for every scene. Most scenes you can just let them speak for themselves without needing to clarify what is happening or how the characters are feeling during said scenes.
@@joshuafischer8934 I bet Don is kicking himself for leaving Spielberg. Sure, his films under Spielberg were far from safe from going through some changes such as some scenes being removed from The Land Before Time to make it more suitable for kids, but at least the changes weren’t as bad as the ones MGM made to his films.
@@joshuafischer8934 Wow! I’m actually surprised I was right.
@@joshuafischer8934 Fun Fact: When John Pomeroy left P&tP, he began to work at Disney animating John Smith from Pocahontas. He also animated the Fire Bird from Fantasia 2000.
The 80s and 90s had a bountiful amount of bodybuilding villains. 🏋🏻♂️
Drake with his unrealistic upper body strength.
Ratigan, who is a super ripped Victorian crime lord. 🎩❤️🔥
Gaston. No one's built like Gaston.
Also, the TV villains, like Skeletor, Cobra Commander, Mumm-ra.
Tim Curry is the greatest.
AniMat's Classic Reviews Requests:
Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension
Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue
Space Jam
Thomas and the Magic Railroad
Monsters, Inc.
The Plague Dogs
Animalympics
The Seventh Brother
Samson and Sally
Peter No-Tail in America
The Queen's Corgi
Bolt
Finding Nemo
The Incredibles
Anastasia
@@anthonypena5046 Red Shoes & the Seven Dwarfs
Charming
Sonic The Movie OVA (1996 and 1999)
Next AniMat's Classic Reviews Is: Steven Universe The Movie
Hi ElectricDragon505. I must say you are the best film-critic (since Roger Ebert). You are very good to explain about the animation and i’m really impressed.
9:16 good god I never noticed they straight up weren't moving lol
I have such fond memories of this movie. It’s probably just nostalgia, and I can notice and understand its weaker points, but I still love to watch it. My wedding shower was penguin-themed because of this movie.
Truly, this was the last animated movie from Sullivan Bluth Studios and the studio went down in history on October 31st, 1995! (plus I first saw this movie in Elementary School back then!)
Rock a doodle was my childhood
I first saw this when I was five and honestly, I can't remember much of it until Tim Curry's voice of Drake was heard. The guy is an absolute legend!
Before Happy Feet, there was The Pebble and The Penguin. 🐧🐧🐧🐧🐧
I lately had thoughts of Animat one day reviewing the Steven Universe Movie and low and behold he’s going for it.
PS I found the Pebble And The Penguin kind of good, not one of Don Bluth’s best but what can you do?
Me: Woah. That's was better then we expected. Thank you Animat your our hero for this movie especially for our case
Haven’t seen the film yet, but considering how disastrous the production went for this movie. I can understand why this film can be a mixed bag. At least it’s better than Rock a Doodle and Troll in Central Park. I think the Steven universe movie review is coming up next
❤️💖 In my honest in my nostalgic childhood, I did enjoyed the Pebble and the Penguin in my childhood. Its okay.
Granted, it's no where near as worse a Don Bluth worse films like Troll in Central Park or Rock a Doodle and it's not near as good as Don Bluth's best films like the Secret of Nimh, An American Tail, the Land Before Time, All Dogs Go to Heaven, and Anastasia.
It's not Don Bluth's fault nor the crew members faults. It's all the executives meddling fault of they weren't being too picky 😒 on the movie quality what the filmmakers were going through. Don Bluth would have made a good movie about penguins 🐧 since they are my favorite birds 🐦 if it weren't for those annoying cringey meddling executives. 😃😀😄😁😊😉 👍🏻 💖❤️
Oh boy, this movie. Also, During this movie’s original Theatrical run, there was a pink Panther cartoon short based on his 1993 show called driving Mr. pink.
Is the next review going to be for Steven Universe the Movie?
I don't know.
Steven universe the movie is next!
To say for this film, Not on my list of movies I would watch, In fact, sadly I remember it was one of those films I used to get bored of when I was little and did not really find enjoyment till later on. Nowadays I can be on the same page and only pick a few things I do like, Such as Drake (Because Well.. It's Tim Curry! Who Doesn't Love his acting!) and some of the songs.
I'll say for the next review... Oh boy! Not that it's a bad thing, but as a fan it was "Gasp! Ooooff My Heart!" And for someone new like you, Hope you have a tissue box ready, this is going to be interesting.
Me, My Pikachu & My Piplup: Another movie we loved saved and The Story is only getting better
I enjoy almost all of Don Bluth's films without question.
Oh, crap. Steven Universe: The Movie's the next review.
Oh, I get it.
Next up is Steven Universe the movie!
I believe Tim Curry makes any character he plays work, despite the material
I know it's not An American Tail nor Anastasia, but this movie is actually more enjoyable to watch than A Troll in Central Park and Thumbelina
13:51 50% Man T!ts??? Omg 😳
23:41 Huh I wonder what it is?
It is Steven Universe, and he is going to review it next month. Not the show, by the way. It’s the movie.
It Might Be The Loud House Movie Or That Steven Universe Movie
@@DanielLave25280 I would be so happy if it were the Loud House Movie
*AniMat's Classic Reviews 2023 ranked:*
#1: Ernest & Celestine *9/10*
#2: Coonskin *8.6/10*
#3: The Land Before Time *8.6/10*
#4: Fox & the Hound *7.3/10*
#5: Robin Hood *7.3/10*
#6: Cars *6.7/10*
#7: Chickenhare *5.3/10*
#8: Pebble & the Penguin *5/10* *
#9: Secret of NIMH 2 *2.75/10*
*Yeah Mat got the math wrong on his P&P rating
He probably bumped it up because he found it somewhat enjoyable.
What did he gave the Secret of Nimh 2's Animation, Story, Characters and Songs?
@@brytilaar
Story: 1
Animation: 4
Characters: 3
Songs: 3
I think he gave the animation a 4.5/10.
he doesn't do .5s to individual categories
I think This and Thumbelina (If not A Troll in Central Park) served as a teaching for Don Bluth, Gary Goldman and their animators on how to properly structure an animated musical, in which the Disney-Princess knowck-off from 20th century Fox Anastasia would fit perfectly as an animated musical two years after this one in 1997. (And even though it's primarily on a historical urban legend and rumor in the events after the Russian Revolution (Both Democratic-Republican Menshevik February Revolution that really toppled the 300 year Romanov autocratic dynasty rule in 1917 and the Bolshevik Communist unified dictatorship of the working class in October of 1917, on the old Julian calendar.). Before I get into any further historical accuracy detail which I won't, I'm saying that as a Disney-style 90's animated musical, Anastasia is the only one of Don Bluth's animated creations that actually became a stage musical on Broadway 19 years later, but only because i'ts legacy had been preserved more strongly than others.
The Pebble and the Penguin was my childhood. Still surprised that it like many other animated films from the 90s (other than Disney & DreamWorks) didn't age very well.
Thank you!! I WAS WAITING FOR THIS REVIEW ❤😂
Barry Mannilow and Bruce Sussman (insert Among Us joke here) wouldve honestly gone on to be musical legends like Alan Menken/Howard Ashman, Robert Lopez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, etc if they were given better movies to work with. Between their better songs in this and Thumbelina, and the Copacabanna musical, they have alot of potential.
13:53 drake is basically built the same way as koala kong and tiny tiger from crash bandicoot, major coincidence there
And much later, we got Surf's Up and Happy Feet.
Would you want to see the penguins from Madagascar beat hubie up?
@@georgerobertson7010 why would I see that?
@@katherinealvarez9216 I assumed you hated this movie
@@georgerobertson7010 Not really. It's a weird little movie that didn't do well. I'm "meh" at it..
Though he did a Don Bluth episode on his channel, I still hope that Saberspark still does What The Hell episodes on Bluth's lesser films. I bet he has as good material for his review as he does reviewing El Arca, Alibaba and Marmaduke.
Steven universe the Movie is Next.
That's right.
The short running time and many of the plot problems can be attributed to executives chopping the film up, cutting and reordering scenes, and then rushing production. No wonder Don left. He already had to deal with the same thing on "Land Before Time."
4:15 sounds familiar, rock a doodle?
You’d think they wouldn’t repeat that mistake with this film considering how bad the narration was in Rock-A-Doodle.
@@hunterolaughlin yeah, that’s don Bluth
@@hunterolaughlin Fun Fact: When John Pomeroy left P&tP, he began to work at Disney animating John Smith from Pocahontas. He also animated the Fire Bird from Fantasia 2000.
@@orangeslash1667 Cool!
Not Dons best....but not his worst...thats A Troll In Central Park
I have the same feelings toward the songs Animat listed.
Maybe it would’ve help the story better if the pebble gave anyone who touched it super powers, causing Hubbie and Drake to fight over it.
But I guess that would be too silly.
Tim Curry has history with Bluth, he even plays the Skull in Bartok the Magnificent
Oh the memories I have of sitting up in bed at 2 am watching this movie on a cheap Netbook chopped up into parts on RUclips
Funny that this is the only movie Don Bluth didn't want any credit for. That means he was PROUD of A Troll in Central Park which I think is much worse.
@ElectricDragon505
'The Pebble And The Penguin' isn't bad or good. It's just okay. There's some good stuff in there, the best thing being the development of Hubie and Rocko's relationship. I hope that some day, we will get a remake(preferrably hand-drawn) that improves on the story and gets rid of the vast majority of the songs that are in the original.
Honestly I like how in the beginning you see Hubie stutter and be fearful later after when the Killer Whales attack him and Rocko you see his bravery really shine but in between still you his character development
@@richardperaza5083 Yeah, he gains confidence and bravery.
Just gonna say, it's in the middle for me on this.
The performance wasn't bad (especially Tim Currey to me just cause), the art was nice, the songs were a bit catchy and well, can only say better than A Troll in Central Park, especially Secret of NIHM 2
Don’t make me laugh was my favorite song🖐🏻
9:44 That part got me. Great review as always
Drake is 100% Chicken Breast
Thank you for a good review. It is really nice to see that animation of the movie is discussed in detail.
Once again, you’ve reviewed a film by my animation teacher
Have you ever considered sharing AniMat’s reviews of his films with your teacher?
I’ve informed his assistant about AniMat’s channel, but haven’t heard anything since.
@@arbytv5139 Maybe if he’s available after class and you have time, you can tell him about AniMat’s reviews.
16:24 GARY?!?
I think the next review is either regular show the movie or that awful Steven Universe movie
this movie is definitely my 5th biggest guilty pleasure
I Thaught He Was Talking About The Loud House Movie.
I just watched this the other week. In comparison to other Don Bluth movies, I feel this one was in the middle. Most of the characters are likable, despite I found Marina a little too basic and more like a lamer version of Belle, considering her “friendship” with Drake. Huebie (?) was decent, but Rocko was definitely the best character imo. I don’t think the small bird kids even had names. I agree, I feel the Ship Misery scene was were it clearly changed direction in the story, I assumed they would be stuck in a zoo or aquarium and Huebie is trying to figure out how to leave to get back home. But no, all they do is get stuck on a random island and have to swim back. I actually found most of the songs pretty decent except for maybe the ship misery one. I will say the final battle between Drake and Huebie was pretty disappointing. When Drake came back I fully expected he would kidnap Marina or maybe try flinging Huebie over the edge to feed the orcas, and maybe Drake slips on the ice and falls into an orca’s mouth or something, considering Don Bluth has had death scenes in his movies before. My only question is why Drake kept threatening Marnia with the law, saying any unmated penguins would be banished. Why not show a penguin that had been banished or something to show Marina reluctantly agreeing to marry him after believing Huebie is dead/gone forever
20:23 harsh
This movie is my soft spot if I’m gonna be honest
This is one of my most favorite animated movies in my life. And Drake is my absolute favorite character in it. What a hunk! 😁
I do remember watching this when I was little… Anns was probably the only don Bluth film if you don’t count land before Time sequels I ever saw as a kid.
While the movie definitely could have been improved, I absolutely loved the music.
Funny that a film from Don Bluth's dark age in the early to mid 90s didn't get the Animat's Seal of Garbage. By the way, I'm excited that the next classic review is Steven Universe: The Movie.
Here are the review scores AniMat give them so far.
An American Tail (1986) - 8/10
The Land Before Time (1988) - 9/10
All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989) - 7.5/10
Rock-a-Doodle (1991) - 4/10
The Pebble and the Penguin (1995) - 6/10
Titan A.E. (2000) - 5/10
What ratings did AniMat gave The Secret of Nimh 2 for both of it's story, animation, characters and songs? The overall rating doesn't count though.
@@brytilaar I'm only talking about Don Bluth's original animated films.
Yeah, but even though it is based on Don Bluth's Work, but what ratings did he gave the story, animation, characters and songs? Besides 3/10 with the whole film.
Thank God you didn’t give this the AniMat Seal of Garbage!
This film was one of my favorite movies that I’d watch on videocassette over and over as a child, and even as a grownup, I see it as a massive guilty pleasure, mostly out of my own personal nostalgia for it, and Tim Curry’s performance as Drake!
P.S. The villain song “Don’t Make Me Laugh” lives in my head rent free!
I kinda understand the story is fucked sugar-coated, little fix is to address animal exploitation in the middle by addressing caged birds. The subplot is fixed by freeing the birds, I know is too dark for executives but it makes the journey more engaging.