Things are about to get a little bit batty over at Hulu as next month will see the arrival of the timeless animated feature,FernGully: The Last Rainforest. That’s right, millennials. The movie that made usincredibly anxious about climate changewill soon be available on the streamer. Beginning on September 1, you can take a trip down memory lane and step into the vibrant world created by famed animatorBill Kroyerin what served as his feature-length directorial debut. Featuring a star-studded ensemble of voices, the movie is a must-see whether it’s your first time dipping into the magical world or the 100th.
Part fantasy, part musical, with a hefty side of drama,FernGully: The Last Rainforestwent deep into the tree-covered jungles of the Australian rainforest where a group of fairies fight to keep their home safe from the impending doom caused by the logging industry. Yes, the movie was very muchobviously a push for better regulationssurrounding the destruction of nature, but with its cute animation and catchy songs, many of us were none the wiser. In a sort ofPocahontas-like storyline, the main fairy, Crysta (Samantha Mathis), accidentally brings a young logger named Zak (Jonathan Ward) down to her size. Finally understanding the damage that his line of work is causing, Zak helps Crysta unite the creatures of the rainforest to stop not only the humans but also Hexxus (Tim Curry), a big glob of gooey black pollution that kills everything in its sight.
Not only do we love that Curry was the leading villain inFernGully,but we also love that we got to hearThe Rocky Horror Picture Showalum sing again. Also included in the cast wasRobin Williamsas Batty Koda,a stressed-out, spazzy batwho spits the most fire bars we’ve ever heard in an animated movie. Filling out the rest of the vocal call sheet are the likes ofChristian Slater(Heathers), comedic duoCheech MarinandTommy Chong,Grace Zabriskie(Twin Peaks),Geoffrey Blake(Forrest Gump), and more.
‘FernGully: The Last Rainforest’s Legacy
Arriving in cinemas in 1992,FernGullyfound itself as a non-Disney movie during a time when the studio was at one of its highest peaks. Animated features likeThe Little MermaidandAladdinhad come out around the same time and the beloved studio was at the top of its game. On the other side of things, while it was distributed by 20th Century Fox,FernGullycame from Kroyer Films Inc., Youngheart Productions, and FAI Films, three relatively unknown companies. Still,FernGullyheld its own at the box office, earning nearly $33 million during its time in cinemas. While it was met with mixed reviews, with itsRotten Tomatoesscore sitting at 67%, the movie will forever be a classic to those of us who were brought up on its themes and songs.
Head to Hulu on September 1 to check outFernGully: The Last Rainforest.
