SnoopyStyle A couple plays Scrabble. He's not doing so well. She decides to vacuum the bathroom. The TV reports that all out nuclear war has broken out. Neither partner notices the report as the cat chews through the power cord. She comes back and catches him cheating. A fight ensues. He can't stand her shaking her eyes and she can't stand him sawing the furniture. They make up. All the while, they don't notice the chaos occurring outside.It's surreal. It's silly. It's hilarious. It's heart-warming. Comedy doesn't always translate but hopefully it's funny not just for Canadians.

Lee Eisenberg I interpreted "The Big Snit" as a look at lack of awareness about world events. This look at a couple playing Scrabble while a nuclear war takes place outside was no doubt intended as a warning about nuclear weapons, but manages to be funny every step of the way. It serves as a reminder that animation is simply another type of filmmaking; it doesn't have to be "cute". Indeed, these short cartoons are more interesting than the animated features starring the celebrities of the moment."The Big Snit" got nominated for Best Animated Short Film at the Academy Awards. I'd say that it deserved the nod (I haven't seen that year's winner). The only other Canadian cartoon that I've seen is 1981's "Crac", which won Best Animated Short at the Academy Awards. Michael Moore has the highest praise for Canada, and these cartoons show that our northern neighbor has some great ideas for cartoon shorts. This one remains relevant, since there are still nukes in the world. But most importantly, it's a funny cartoon. You're sure to like it.

Hitchcoc It's cool when something totally original comes along. This is it. To start with, the "human caricatures are amazing." They have eyes that come lose and rattle and the wife is constantly trying to correct them. They play scrabble. She has a seven letter word ready to go. He has all e's and keeps rearranging them. He takes so long, she leaves to vacuum the house. While he is watching a TV show called Sawing for Teens, he dozes off and misses the announcement of a nuclear war. He can't understand the despair and panic in the streets, thinking it is some sort of parade. What seems like pointlessness has a great point for all of us. It is pure existentialism at its best. The absurdity of everyday life is thrown in our faces in every scene. Why don't we do the things that make us happy? Why don't we let love show us the way? Why don't we take chances? Why do we hurt each other with petty complaining?

LeRoyMarko Very funny short film about a couple fighting over a Scrabble when, outside, a nuclear war is raging. Crazy stuff like that saw that keeps coming back! Out of 100, I give it 77. That's good for **½ out of ****.Seen in Sudbury, on December 31st, 2002.