The last 5 years or so has really seen the explosion of low budget, low quality (production value wise) animated shows that catch a cult like following. So, following in the footsteps of another one of these shows that made a jump to a feature film (Aqua Teen Hunger Force), a crack team has assembled to give us a Samurai Jack film.
The good folks over at Movieweb give us this:
Three of today’s leading animators have teamed up to form the production company, Frederator Films. According to Variety, their first project will be a feature version of the Cartoon Network series Samurai Jack. They plan on producing mostly 2-D animated features. All three will act as producers on the various projects that they have lined up. Original series creator Genndy Tartakovsky is set to write and direct the Samurai Jack film.
You know what? I think this is a good idea. I like Samurai Jack… I think it’s pretty damn entertaining… but let’s be real here… it’s not going to be considered “classic” in 15 years (like say, The Simpsons). So you’ve got a pretty decent property, you’ve got one of two options.
1) Wait 10 years too long to make a feature film
2) Strike while you’re popularity is hot and make one now
Seems like they’re wisely taking option #2, and that’s a good thing.
One of the things that I really appreciate about properties like Samurai Jack (and Aqua Teen, Dexter, Space Ghost ect….) is that they rely on creativity and talent removed from just having all the money in the world to give things A-Grade production values. And I think there is something to be appreciated in that. So a Samurai Jack movie? Sure, count me in.
