by Laura W
Before Avator, there was FernGully. FernGully: The Last Rainforest is a 1992 animated film, based on the book of the same name. FernGully was one of the first animated films I ever saw in theatres. While it was not the first one that I saw in theatres (that would belong to Fantasia, and yes, I sat through the majority of it), it was one of the first and very much part of my childhood. It wasn’t too entertaining, at first. It frightened me a little, if truth be told. However, it was once Robin Williams’ Batty made his entrance, that I really enjoyed the film. It has been a childhood favourite of mine ever since.
Before Avator, there was FernGully. FernGully: The Last Rainforest is a 1992 animated film, based on the book of the same name. FernGully was one of the first animated films I ever saw in theatres. While it was not the first one that I saw in theatres (that would belong to Fantasia, and yes, I sat through the majority of it), it was one of the first and very much part of my childhood. It wasn’t too entertaining, at first. It frightened me a little, if truth be told. However, it was once Robin Williams’ Batty made his entrance, that I really enjoyed the film. It has been a childhood favourite of mine ever since.
FernGully tells the story of Crysta (voiced by Samantha Mathis), a fairy girl that discovers a rainforest near Mount Warning, Australia. She has never seen anything like it. Crysta believes that humans live on Mount Warning, but is then told otherwise. She befriends a fruit bat named Batty Koda (Robin Williams), who has been tested on by humans and now has wires and antennas attached into his head. The two head to Warning, where they find a forest basically being destroyed. Crysta accidentally shrinks a human, a lumberjack named Zak (Jonathan Ward). Zak, Crysta and Batty go on an adventure, trying to prevent the destruction of the rain forest. Zak eventually reveals who he actually is and his part in the destruction of the forest. Eventually, good destroys the evil lumberjacks and “pollution” and sadly, Zak returns to his human form. However, he, and two friends, go off and try to prevent the further destruction of rainforests. The film also starred the vocal tallents of Tim Curry, Christian Slater and Cheech Marin.
The film was released in April, 1992 to critical success. Many have compared Avatar to FernGully. While the story was brilliant and the film visually captivating, it was one actor in particular that held the film together. It would mark Robin Williams’ first role in an animated feature film (as Aladdin hadn’t yet been released). With his brilliant comedic timing, wit and style, Robin brought the character of Batty to life. Robin even performed Batty’s rap himself. It was his performance that truly brought the film to life and held the film together. Robin’s portrayal of Batty was so comedic, it hurt from laughing so much.
Robin was truly a versatile actor. It seemed that he could adapt himself to any sort of role, whether it be a genie, a doctor, a well-versed therapist or even a bat. If anyone could do it, it was Robin. He will be missed.
Robin was truly a versatile actor. It seemed that he could adapt himself to any sort of role, whether it be a genie, a doctor, a well-versed therapist or even a bat. If anyone could do it, it was Robin. He will be missed.
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