Animalympics

Animalympics is a 1980 animated sports comedy film that chronicles the games of the Animalympics, a sports competition modeled after the Olympic Games, but featuring animals instead of humans. The film is voiced by an all-star cast, including Gilda Radner, Billy Crystal, Harry Shearer, and a host of other well-known actors.

The movie opens with an introduction to the world of Animalympics, explaining how the animals have formed their own communities and built their own cities, and how every four years, they come together to compete in the Animalympics. The film follows the stories of several key animal athletes as they prepare for the games, including an American swimmer named René Fromage (voiced by Billy Crystal), a Russian weightlifter named Vladimir Elephant (voiced by Michael Fremer), and a Jamaican sprinter named Kit Mambo (voiced by Michael Bell).

Each animal competitor has their own unique personality and backstory. For example, René Fromage is a cocky, self-centered athlete who is constantly seeking attention, while Vladimir Elephant is a gentle giant who is struggling to overcome his fear of heights in order to compete in the high jump. The animals' individual journeys to the Animalympics are interwoven with each other in a way that creates a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among the characters.

Throughout the film, there are numerous comedic moments that serve as a testament to the film's playful spirit. For example, during the opening ceremonies, a pack of dogs race onto the field to retrieve a lost ball, while a group of penguins waddle past in the background. Throughout the competitions, there are countless sight gags and silly puns that are sure to make audiences of all ages laugh.

One of the film's standout scenes is a hilarious musical number called "Born to Lose," which is sung by a group of underdogs who are competing in the Animalympics. The song is a clever parody of classic sports anthems, with lyrics like "We're the Olympic losers, we always come in last / Born to lose, but still we're giving it our best."

The movie is not without its touching moments, however. Several of the animal athletes face personal struggles that they must overcome in order to compete, and the film does a good job of showing how hard work, perseverance, and a little bit of luck can help overcome life's obstacles.

One interesting aspect of Animalympics is the way that the film portrays the relationships between different animal species. The animals are divided into separate events based on their natural abilities (e.g., swimmers compete in the water-based events, while runners compete on land), but they all live and work together in the same cities. This creates a sense of harmony and cooperation among the animals that is often not seen in the real world.

Overall, Animalympics is a lighthearted and entertaining film that is sure to leave audiences with a smile on their faces. The animation may be a bit dated by today's standards, but the film's charm and wit have stood the test of time. The film's voice cast is top-notch, with each actor bringing their own unique flair to their respective characters. With its colorful animal characters, exciting competitions, and catchy tunes, Animalympics is a must-see for fans of animated sports comedies.