Well if “The End” doesn’t look like material for a hilarious animated feature, I don’t know what does. “The End” is a hilarious and fun short animated film in the vein of “Looney Tunes” and “Shrek” in which the classic fairy tale is re-invented and de-constructed in to a short that’s teeming with potential for something much bigger. “The End” feels like a proof of concept for a feature length version, but if it isn’t, it works wonderfully as a clever and unique re-imagining of the classic fairy tale.
After watching her gallant knight Sir Maximillian die at the end of the film, it’s up to the determined Princess Hilderose to take matters into her own hands to stop her love and earn her happily ever after. But that proves harder than it looks as the knight is eager to prove his love.
Alexandria Siah’s short fairy tale progresses well in re-thinking the role of the princess, who breaks the fourth wall and ultimately decides her own fate. What’s tough is that Maximillian is hard to deter from “slaying” the mythical dragon, and the results every time are less than fantastic. The constant results of Hilderose’s interference are hilarious, and the animation really punctuates the comic timing and great script. I especially loved one moment when Hilderose pauses and asks “Why am I marrying this guy?”
Everything from the animation style, to the narrative, right down to the ace acting from Will Akana and Samantha Cooper are just top notch. I really hope we see more of this universe soon. If not, I hope we see more from Alexandria Siah down the road, as she really masters animated comedy.
CINEJOY featuring CINEQUEST Artists is held from March 1st through March 12th.