So... that wasn't a fever dream then...

Story-wise the movie would deserve a better rating, but in my opinion the characters of both Z and Bala are so unlikeable and cringey, it ruins the movie for me. I wish they would've focused more on side characters like Weaver, Azteca and Cutter, or the workings of the ant colony itself, instead of throwing in some pseudo "bonding and falling in love" scenes that just felt forced—rapey almost—and out of place compared to the rest of the movie. Too bad.

The other ant movie from 1998 (yes, A Bug's Life came out the same year). Woody Allen voices Z, a neurotic worker ant who doesn't want to follow the anthill's rules. Basically Woody Allen being Woody Allen but animated and with antennas. More adult and more cynical than A Bug's Life, which makes it interesting but also less rewatchable.

_Antz_ is a smart and fun CGI animated film that launched DreamWorks Animation. The film follows a neurotic ant who dreams of more than life as a worker, but when he ventures to the surface the world turns out to be quite different than he imagined. Featuring an all-star cast, the voice talents include Woody Allen, Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Sylvester Stallone, and Christopher Walken. There’s a bit of stunt casting going on, but overall of the actors are used especially well and help to heighten comedy. And the CGI animation is quite imaginative and colorful despite the rather rudimentary look. Wildly entertaining, _Antz_ is a great film that’s full of laughs for all ages.

Antz or a Bug's Life? WATCH EM BOTH!