Woody Woodpecker

Woody Woodpecker is a family-friendly comedy adventure film released in 2017 and directed by Alex Zamm. Bringing the beloved cartoon character from our TV screens to the big screen in a mix of live-action and animation, this film promises to captivate both old and new fans of the manic woodpecker.

The film presents Woody Woodpecker (voiced by Eric Bauza) in his natural habitat, the pine forest of the Pacific Northwest. Bauza does an excellent job of injecting a new spark of life into this beloved animated character while also preserving the antics and voice that have endeared Woody to multiple generations for several decades.

Timothy Omundson brings his signature comedic style to the character of Lance Walters, a city attorney who decides to build his dream vacation home in the open forest, disrupting Woody's peaceful dwelling. Lance is a disbarred lawyer from the big city who, to escape from a legal misadventure, moves with his girlfriend Brittany (Thaila Ayala), to a peaceful site in the countryside where he plans to build his dream house. The locale, however, happens to be the home of our notorious bird.

Graham Verchere takes on the role of Tommy, Lance's detached son from a previous marriage. He spends the summer with his dad and Brittany and eventually forms a bond with the poky bird. Through their eccentric and wild adventures, Tommy's interactions with Woody stimulate his interest in the natural world, and he becomes the catalyst for resolving the house-building crisis.

Woody Woodpecker, as the film's core character, does not disappoint. He's still a rambunctious, rascally cartoon character who's perpetually pecking away at a peaceful existence. His wacky mannerisms combined with the power to annoy human visitors to his habitat forms the crux of the storyline. Watching the interaction between him and the human characters is hilarious and forms many of the film's most comedic instances.

The movie does a great job, elaborately crafting the elements of an extravagant comedy coupled with the undertones of family values. The script infuses subtle elements of environmental conservation as Woody defends his natural abode from intrusion and destruction.

As for the visuals, the merge of live-action and CGI animation is seamless. The detailed animation brings an extra dose of charm and appeal to the iconic character of Woody Woodpecker. Additionally, the scenic shots of the lush forest and intricate construction outlines for Lance's dream home beautifully emphasize the intrusion of humans into nature.

The humor in the film spans multiple levels, with something for both kids and adults. With a healthy mix of slapstick comedy, wit, and silliness, it guarantees a fun-filled experience for the whole family. While there's plenty of high-octane antics that children will love, there's also a dash of grown-up humor, ensuring that parents will be chuckling along too.

Moreover, the film teaches vital life lessons through its story, such as the importance of family, understanding and empathy, respecting wildlife, and acknowledging the impact our actions can have on the environment.

Furthermore, the movie features a strong supporting cast, including the enchanting nature-loving park ranger Samantha Bartlett, charmingly played by Emily Holmes. Her desire to protect the wildlife habitat from human destruction resonates with the film's environmental theme.

In conclusion, Woody Woodpecker (2017) is more than just an adaptation of a beloved classic cartoon. It's a vibrant, fun-filled adventure comedy with lessons about family, love, and the environment. The film, with its prime cast, stunning visuals, and engaging humor, presents a worthwhile watch for a fun family movie night.