Search - The Films of Michael Sporn Volume 2 (The Hunting of the Snark/The Talking Eggs) on DVD

Mixed impressions

wiredweird | Earth, or somewhere nearby | 08/21/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"These two pieces are sure to leave very different impressions with different viewers. The Hunting of the Snark is a perennial favorite, perhaps the finest piece of nonsense in the English language. It is well worth presenting again and again, keeping it fresh as tastes in visual and performance styles change. The Talking Eggs is a modern fairy tale in an urban setting. It features kind-hearted Selina and her more self-centered mother and brother in brief story about generosity, achieving one's dreams, and being open to a little bit of everyday magic. Both stories feature a loose, warm, hand-drawn style that makes the art very accessible. "Snark" use more pen and watercolor, "Eggs" uses pastel or colored pencil on coarse paper, in an animated collage. James Earl Jones, one of the most recognizable and impressive voices around, narrates "Snark." Danny Glover, almost as well recognized, offers his voice to "Eggs." Both stories, but especially "Eggs" will appeal to kids of read-to-me ages. There's a lot to like here.

But, as with all arts, liking is subjective. I like animation, including hand animation, but I prefer a tighter drawing style than the one Sporn uses here. In "Eggs," I was put off by some of the collage's cut edges being too apparent - it just struck me as careless, like a beautifully dressed woman but with her underwear hanging out. Sporn also took a big chance in presenting a story as well-loved as "Snark," one about which many people (like me) have strong feelings and imagery. I did not find that his gamble paid off.

Still, I expect others to respond in their own ways to the stories and images. Viewers looking for strong, positive African-American voices and images will appreciate this work, Selina in particular. The stories are warm, gentle, and kid-safe, and very likely to appeal to many tastes.

//wiredweird"