Thescreescore – After decades in the making, master filmmaker Brad Bird’s highly anticipated animated neo-noir thriller, Ray Gunn, has finally premiered, immediately captivating critics and securing a resounding 92% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This stellar debut marks a triumphant return for the visionary director, known for animated classics like The Incredibles and Ratatouille, as his first feature film in nearly a decade.
Unveiled at the prestigious 70th BFI London Film Festival, Ray Gunn plunges audiences into the retrofuturistic metropolis of Metropia. Sam Rockwell lends his distinctive voice to the titular private investigator, Raymond Gunn, who finds himself entangled in a labyrinthine case involving the enigmatic megastar Venus Nova, voiced by the incomparable Scarlett Johansson. The illustrious ensemble cast further boasts talents such as Tom Waits, Matt Berry, Bobby Cannavale, Alan Tudyk, and Kathryn Hunter, promising a rich vocal tapestry for this ambitious project. Bird himself has cited legendary cinematic touchstones like Blade Runner, Chinatown, and The Big Lebowski as key inspirations, hinting at a complex narrative steeped in classic noir tradition.
The journey of Ray Gunn to the silver screen has been as protracted as it is fascinating. Bird first conceived the concept in the late 1980s, only to shelve it following the unexpected box office performance of The Iron Giant. After acquiring the rights, the project eventually found a home at Skydance Animation, culminating in its imminent Netflix release on December 18, following an early theatrical run beginning December 4.
Related Post
This initial critical acclaim further solidifies Bird’s reputation as one of contemporary cinema’s most consistent directors. With Ray Gunn‘s impressive score, his filmography maintains an enviable record, with only 2015’s Tomorrowland falling below the "Fresh" threshold. His other directorial efforts consistently land in the 90-percentile range, a testament to his unique storytelling prowess and meticulous craftsmanship.
While the 92% score is undeniably strong, the critical landscape for Ray Gunn offers a nuanced perspective. Of the initial 12 reviews, only one registered as "Rotten." However, some critics, including thescreescore.com’s Ben Gibbons, in his 6/10 review, lauded the film’s visual ambition and groundbreaking animation but expressed reservations regarding certain narrative elements. Gibbons noted, "As much as Ray Gunn attempts to deliver a meaty story that feels like a step up from Bird’s previous work, there is a distinct sense of missing Pixar magic. Twists rarely land in the way that they are intended until the final act, and even still, that doesn’t always feel earned."
With additional screenings scheduled, including a prominent showing at the 15th Montclair Film Festival on October 17, the critical consensus for Ray Gunn is still evolving. Film enthusiasts eagerly await to see if the initial wave of praise from London holds firm as more voices weigh in on Bird’s long-awaited return to the director’s chair.
Leave a Comment