BOSS BABY (2017) — Sleeper Awakened

12/26/17 - Boss Baby (2017) - 3+/4-/10

This is a ludicrous gonzo familial parable that creates a bizarre reality unlike any other. I mean the premise of this film and the insanity provided in the story is mind melting. Not in a Lynchian or Jordorwosky kind of way. No, they bask in the bizarrity. This is a subtle knife of uncanniness that slides between your ribs and plays with you as you slowly bleed out. They act like this cartoon fantasy is normal, while constantly pointing out that it is not. You never know the rules nor the purpose, being a weird kids movie that would make you question what kid is getting or enjoying this? You can go on the ride with it, but the story is ludicrous and frankly disturbing.

Discounting the unique reality construction, it is the basic “kid hates new baby but will learn to love it” story. It was emotionally manipulative, like many of these kids films are. At times it worked more than others, but it can only do so much, being more interested in gags meant for adults than real emotions. Similarly, I grew weary of the tropey action kids film sequences without consequences or stakes, but I may just be applying realistic criticism in the wrong place.

There are OK bits. The animation is pretty outstanding with some well done CGI. The Elvis section I found legitimately funny, but again, it felt out of place in this modern kids film. There is the whisper of a heartstring pull, but it is fleeting and muffled. I suppose the main thing to draw enjoyment from is embracing the weirdness. It doesn’t necessarily make it good, but it does make it stand out and provide...something.

It is cute, after a fashion, if you can get over or embrace the insane backbone. Both of those possibilities could be far fetched illusions rather than attainable goals. Other than being a winky kids adventure with a joke or two, this movie is pretty god-damned nuts. The existence this world posits to enliven this story leaves ones brain dripping from one’s ears. It’s a twisted world with adult bits and blips, but so odd… There are worse kids films out there and I didn't hate my time with it, but this has a long way to go to be “good”.