WOODY WOODPECKER DVD (2017)

SYNOPSIS: Woody Woodpecker is back with his signature laugh, wacky antics and wisecracks in his first ever live-action/animated film. Woody must protect his forest home from Lance Walters (Timothy Omundson), who starts building his dream mansion in the forest with his son, Tommy, and fiancée, Vanessa (Thaila Ayala). To make matters worse, Woody must avoid the clutches of two grizzly poachers. With a series of crazy hijinks to sabotage their plans, Woody proves he’ll stop at nothing to defend his turf. Get ready for big laughs in this hilarious comedy about everyone’s favorite woodpecker!

MOVIE REVIEW:

Following Yogi Bear, Garfield and Alvin & the Chipmunks, Woody Woodpecker is the latest classic animated character to get the hybrid/live-action treatment. Woody who Woodpecker? Unfortunately the younger generation might only know him as that red-headed mascot which roam Universal Studios Singapore for photo shoot but that doesn’t stop the always enterprising Universal Home Entertainment from reviving a property that old.    

Home video expert Alex Zamm (Jingle All the Way 2, Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2, Tooth Fairy 2) wrote and helmed this return of the cheeky, hyperactive woodpecker who finds his home being threatened by the appearance of a big city lawyer, Lance (Timothy Omundson). To the dismay of the local forest ranger, Lance who brought along his estranged teenage son, Tommy and fiancée plans to build a luxury home on a piece of land left behind by his grandfather. But you can always rely on prankster Woody to thwart Lance’s plans.  

If burp, flatulence and peanut butter cracker jokes are your thing then Woody Woodpecker is a godsend. Besides that, the movie made on a shoestring budget conjured up a series of mean gags such as Woody tweaking the gas which caused a minor explosion to a RV, a whole lot of construction workers getting hurt because of Woody’s pranks and Lance getting splashed by cement. Well, it’s not exactly a good example for kids especially if this is a movie targeted at them. This is almost liked Home Alone: Woody Woodpecker Edition.

Yet there is a half-baked message about love and family where we see Woody making friend with Tommy and slowly warming up to Lance in the end. There’s also two fumbling, bird hunters in the story which is hot on Woody’s tail as he is a valuable rare species. Another good excuse to bring in more unfunny mix of slapstick action and lame jokes.

It’s a terribly unimaginative movie on the whole despite the more than watchable CGI though voice actor Eric Bauza did a great job delivering Woody’s trademark high-pitched laughter. All in all, this is the kind of bland movie that kids won’t even be impressed. What else is there left to resurrect? Felix the Cat? 

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Guess Who? The Evolution of Woody gives audiences a brief history of the animated character from the 40’s. The Making of Woody Woodpecker delves into… not a surprise into the making of the movie liked how a plush of Woodpecker stands in for most of the scenes. The cast talks about working with an invisible Woody in Working with Woody. 

AUDIO/VISUAL:

The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack and DVD visual is good enough for the kids. Seriously who needs solid visual and audio mix for such a terrible title. 

MOVIE RATING:

DVD RATING :

Review by Linus Tee