Footrot Flats: The Dog's Tale (1987)
Featuring the characters from Murray Ball's "Footrot Flats" (New Zealands most beloved local cartoon strip), questions to be answered include: Will Wal Footrot win the affections of Cheeky Hobson over the sleazy Spit Murphy? Will the Dog win the affections of the lovely Jess? Will Wal make a good impression on the selectors at Saturday's rugby match? Can Rangi and Pongo save Cooch's prize stag from the depths of Blackwater Station, home of the Murphys, their vicious dogs and deadly croco-pigs? All this and more will be answered as the small town of Raupo comes to life on the big screen.
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Lack of good storyline.
A lot of perfectly good film show their cards early, establish a unique premise and let the audience explore a topic at a leisurely pace, without much in terms of surprise. this film is not one of those films.
It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.
The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.
Truth is I did keep an open mind, but i could see that despite the heart of this movie it wasn't enough to hide the missing a few basic film making essentials. I laughed but it was usually when no one else was, kids and parents around laughed a little more robustly so i maybe jaded, anyway I feel that...Too many cutaways were missing, to tie things together and make it a sweeter experience.Characters needed just a little more development to give them some character.Script needed tightening as did some scenes.(wal dancing to 'outta be in love') The most defined and likable characters were RANGI and HORSE, Jess was likable enough but needed a little more attitude and more screen time.best voice over was RANGI(rawini prating) I recommend this if you have kids, are a kiwi or want to know about NZ and kiwis or if you are a farmer or want to know about farmers.
As a Kiwi who grew up with this comic strip, I looked hard to find this film which few stores in my part of Australia seem to stock. However, I was disappointed in the results. The film tries to fit far too much in, and lacks a coherent plot. Where's the resolution of the dog drowning in the sheep dip? What about the 'breakup' between Wal and Cheeky? My kids watched the film and frankly were bored. It just goes to show that a great comic strip doesn't necessarily work as a film. I also thought the soundtrack was lame, especially when Wal (voiced by the always excellent John Clarke) suddenly breaks into song with the high-pitched tones of Dave Dobbyn - a voice that would have been much more suited to the dog. Let's face it, if this wasn't a Kiwi animation with nostalgic value for many of us, it would be a complete bomb
Beautifully drawn but Clunky, economical animation and an abysmal home made soundtrack, Its most damming mistake was to almost completely ignore the subtle and endearing humor of the original comic strip. The story was at its best when it was more true to its origins. There was just way to much noise,action, fight and chase sequences. Not to mention the most annoying helicopter ever animated. Another sore note is the under use of Dave Dobins "Slice of heaven". A missed opportunity considering what a great song it is.In context and at the time it was released it was popular and its seemed New Zealand was saying to the rest of the world, "watch this space" 3/10
I have to say that this is one of New Zealand's greatest movies. Unlike "Lawless", "Xena", "Hercules" and the like, this movie proved that New Zealand can do animated features. The soundtrack is great - personally I like Oughta Be In Love and Slice of Heaven. Good on ya Murray Ball and my Dog Rest in Peace.