Reading the negative reviews for this movie here on IMDb is hilarious. Come on folks, lighten up a bit! It's a kid's movie, not a PETA conspiracy to turn you into a vegetarian! I have to pull myself together just to write something intelligent here.Okay, it's not the greatest movie in the world and the fact that it was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar against "Braveheart" and "Apollo 13" does leave me shaken up a bit, but this is a cute film for kids with perhaps a disturbing element or two that the film makers might have reconsidered. Like having one of the barnyard animals hosting Christmas dinner as the main course. Or watching Mommy Pig head off to the stockyard, never to make a return trip. You'll have some explaining to do after you watch this with your youngsters. But if you focus on the positives this is a pretty entertaining story, with Babe persevering long enough to become a National Sheepdog, er Sheep-pig Champion to the delight of a cheering crowd. There's also a nifty takeaway for adult viewers as well, as it relates to Farmer Hoggett's (James Cromwell) insistence that little ideas should never be ignored, for in them lie the seeds of destiny. Face it, he would have been a laughingstock if Babe failed, and he knew it. But he was resolute in his confidence that Babe would be able to hustle those sheep into the holding pen for victory. The victory itself seemed almost anticlimactic because you knew Babe would save the day for the farm. I just had to wonder though about those five perfect judges' scores of a hundred, a couple of high nineties would have been acceptable.Best part of the story never made it into the picture. As a reward for his win, Farmer Hoggett brought Babe back to the farm where he lived a life of leisure and spent the rest of his retirement makin' bacon.
... View MoreWhen it comes to children's movies, "Babe" pretty much corners the market on successful genre characteristics with its talking animals, simple humor, & heartfelt story.For a basic plot summary, "Babe" tells the story of a pig who, after losing his mother, gets brought to a small family farm. Having lived in a pen most of his young life, the pig (christened Babe) must quickly acclimate to life with other animals. After viewing the sheep dogs and their respected place in the eyes of Farmer Hoggett (James Cromwell), Babe sets out on an unlikely quest to become a sheep-herder of his own.For kids, "Babe" will enthrall in nearly every scene. There is oddball humor (always a favorite for the youngsters), crazy sight gags, and enough emotional moments to even make the kiddies care about little Babe.For adults, the film does juuuust enough to keep you interested. Cromwell's performance as the farmer is very nuanced, while the overall farming atmosphere will appeal to many older viewers.Overall, then, I consider Babe to be a solid children's effort. I'd recommend not frying up a pan of bacon anytime soon after viewing, however, lest your child(ren) become a little weepy (!). All in all, a great family film.
... View MoreShamefully low rating on IMDb for one of the most beautiful movies of its genre. OK, production may be poor comparing to now-day's, but 20 years ago this movie was visually awesome. And I know it is not "Godfather" or "Lord of the rings" quality of movie, but this movie does not even aim to be. It's children movie and it is shoulder to shoulder with Bambi and other evergreen classics. You have to love it if at least glimmer of childhood is left in your heart...........................................
... View MoreThis is a feel-good animal film based on the children's novel, Babe, a story about Farmer Hoggett (James Cromwell) winning a runty piglet named Babe at the local fair. The pig befriends the other animals on Mr. Hoggett's farm and learns and takes on the job of sheep-herding.Though a children's story, this film can be enjoyed by adults as well, as it is heartfelt and charming that is perfect for the entire family. It brings a message of friendship, courage and teamwork and the lessons of growing up. The special effects team did a great job in making the real life animals talk, so you have to suspend reality for several minutes and imagine a world where animals can interact with each other like humans can.This film reminds me of Charlotte's Web, where the pig of that film has an innocent personality whose inquisitive nature eventually brought the farm animals closer, much like the characters in this film. There are also sad moments in the film (which can, I suppose, teaches children how complicated life can be), but much of the film is filled with innocence, joy and zany characters (both human and animals).I did, however, found that some of the plot points to be a tad slow and not as adventurous as some other animal movies like Charlotte's Web, but overall, the film is a real treat for the entire family.Grade B
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