The Beanie Bubble
⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5)
Short Take: The phrase comes from the film industry, initially, and it means a short bit of recording or “something that only takes a short time,” especially if a more extended version may be done later.
Short Take review: A short review of a film with potential discussion points
Summary: In the 1990s, one toy maker captured the world by surprise, and the tag merely said TY. Named after co-founder H Ty Warner (Zach Galifianakis), who rolled out his initial understuffed animals with his neighbour and friend, Robbie, played by Elizabeth Banks. They are credited with starting the craze for the legendary beanie babies as they took advantage of the burgeoning internet, Ebay, and people’s desire to collect these rare toys. Their story becomes a multi-layered dramedy that involves corporate sabotage, internal love affairs, and riding the wave of the insanity of the demand for unassuming plush toys.
Review: Zach Galifianakis relishes his flamboyant alter-ego as he inspires and manipulates everyone in his professional and personal life. Director Kristin Gore surrounds him with an outstanding female cast, including Elizabeth Banks, Sarah Snook, and Geraldine Viswanathan, who commit to their roles with the same tenacity as the lead. As they travel through the disjointed timeline, they all show how they endured the frenetic madness of this craze. Yet, once audiences are made aware of the artistic license that the film’s creators took with the storyline, it takes away from the believability of this supposed historical account. The first act is a joyful introduction to the characters. Still, the rest of the journey wears thin as each relationship implodes and the bubble finally bursts. Unfortunately, they didn’t tell the true story, because it was more compelling than the agenda-laden screenplay.
Reel Dialogue: Who can you trust in this life?
Trust. It is a word that is essential for human relations to flourish. The challenge is to know who to trust. Throughout this toy-centric tale the question comes back to knowing who to trust, where to place your personal faith, and who to trust when things are at their best or worst.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. - Proverbs 3:5-6
This is an issue that impacts fictional tales and real life, too. It is easy to realise that most people will eventually fail to find the answers in this area. Yet, what is known of the God of the Bible is that he is the only one that is truly trustworthy. If you are looking for someone to trust, how about picking up the Bible and finding the only genuinely reliable being in existence.
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