The first night of New York Comic Con 2022 kicked off in a major way at the Main Stage of the Jacob Javits Center with the premiere of Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm before a festival crowd. The reason this was so very special to Creators Matt Maiellaro and Dave Willis is that this marks 15 years since the release of their first film Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters to a packed theatre. Alas, there is no theatrical release in the cards for this wild animated ride.
Five Spoiler-Free takeaways from this soon-to-be-preserved by the National Film Registry masterpiece
1. The cast is stacked.
Your favorite Jersey Shore crew of Dave Willis (Meatwad/Carl Brutananadilewski) reunites with Dana Snyder (Master Shake) and Carey Means (Frylock) to once again spread merriment and sow destruction. However, they are joined by the comedic stylings of Peter Serafinowicz, Paul Walter Hauser, Tim Robinson, Robert Smigel, Jo Firestone, and Natasha Rothwell just to name a few. Oh, there are a few surprises.
2. The theme song is new.
The Aqua Teens have gone through several iterations when it comes to theme songs. From Schoolly D to the power duo of Thunder Cat/Flying Lotus and everything in between, the squad is on the cutting edge of new and what’s fresh. This time, Run the Jewels is bringing the damn legitimate fiyah!
3. The visuals are gorgeous.
Fifteen years is a lot of time passed. Hell, it’s practically one year short of being able to legally pilot a motor vehicle. With this viewing experience, you will experience sexy CGI effects, sweeping 360 delights, and lush environs. They say fuck going home and instead go bigger.
4. The film takes on more of a satirical bend.
Mixing surrealist shenanigans with black humor is what Aqua Teen does best. It’s a lane they stay in because they can drive the metaphorical car like they fucking stole it. While there are several antagonist angles to fulfill our holding out for the heroes, some are ostensibly biting points through a fine and delicate ballet of absurdity and pedal to the metal carnage, whilst getting its audience to take a moment for reflection.
5. The plot employs something never been done in movies that I dare say is a game changer.
Unfortunately, for the prevention of leaked footage, cameras and phones were not allowed out whatsoever, so the treat was not unleashed on a live audience, as this would have been the creator’s only chance to see it in action.
The measures taken went as far as to loom the threat of “special night-vision goggled security” during the viewing, which to me, is nothing short of on-brand.
All I can divulge is that it looks innovative and may change the way the art of cinema is viewed forevermore. Move the shit over, 3-D, there’s a new sheriff in town.
