Sunny Lewis
Here's a classic case of bad music spoiling a movie. There is way too much of it and it is way too loud. I often found the need to mute the soundtrack and follow along with closed captions to spare myself the misery of the insipid score. Music should be enhancing, not overwhelming. In addition, I have to agree with other reviewers that some of the butterflies seemed to be the product of CGI, which was also disconcerting, as was the overall gearing of the film toward a school-aged audience. Nevertheless, the inspiring story of the Monarch migration and fortuitous convocation of events that resulted in its eventual discovery make this film worth viewing. But you might want to keep a finger close to the mute button.
Horst in Translation ([email protected])
"Flight of the Butterflies" is a 44-minute IMAX nature documentary from 4 years ago written and directed by Mike Slee. Well, actually it is half documentary, half acting as the cast includes Gordon Pinsent and a couple other actors playing characters that were linked to the scientific research of the monarch butterfly. I personally would have preferred to keep this fictitious story to a minimum and instead focus more on great impressive video recording of the butterfly instead of the story they put in here, but that is just personal preference. Same goes for the use of animation. Why not show us the real ones instead of animated CGI butterflies, even if it still looks somewhat impressive. These are my 2 major criticisms with this documentary. The topic is such an interesting one, so I am a bit disappointed with the execution. Still it's by no means a bad film, just clearly inferior to what this documentary could have been actually. Overall, I recommend the watch.
bsaiken-126-724519
I saw this movie in 3D. Seeing children 2 - 12 all reaching out to catch the virtual butterflies was one of the best movie experiences I ever had. Don't get me wrong, the story itself is fascinating, and one can not help but marvel in the wonder of creation and the power of the human spirit. Monarch butterflies accomplish the seemingly impossible. Their very survival is threatened and the movie makes a compelling case for better stewardship of our planet without any finger pointing or name calling.Recently, I saw the movie again in 2D, to wow my friend. I am sad to say it was a disappointment. See this movie in 3D (only) and take the kids - you will thank me later.Brian A
András
I saw Flight of the Butterflies at the IMAX theater of the American Museum of Natural History. This was one of the most interesting short films I ever saw in an IMAX theater. Usually the films take advantage of the format, even abuse it, without much story. This film has an excellent story line. The IMAX format allows the viewer to immerse into the presented world, but you never feel they made this for the sake of showing off the IMAX. I learned about the butterflies in these 45 minutes more, than in my entire life. I came to admire and appreciate them. Without giving too much away and any spoilers, I can tell you it follows an individual specimen through a complete cycle for a year. You will be amazed. I would recommend it to anyone age 3 to adult.