Heavy Metal (1981)

Directed by Gerald Potterton. Starring (voices) Richard Romanus, John Candy, Eugene Levy, Joe Flaherty, Susan Roman, Jackie Burroughs, Roger Bumpass, Harold Ramis, John Vernon, Percy Rodriguez. [R]

Adult-oriented animated anthology of science fiction and fantasy stories, heavy on the pulp, the hard rock music, the violence and the nudity. Vignettes are very loosely connected by an all-powerful green orb, but storytelling modes vary even more than the animation styles—one is pure adolescent boy’s fantasy, one is a film noir throwback, one is straight out of a “Creepshow”-esque rag, one is an epic-sized space opera, etc.—and, of course, some are memorable while others are no more than mild diversions. Those looking for mindless juvenile fun will be more receptive than those hoping for wit, irony, or some semblance of provocative insight; indeed, it will surprise no one to learn the team of writers and animation directors are all male, since every female character is objectified to at least some degree. If you just want to ogle ink-and-paint pin-up types, laugh at crass jokes, and bang your head to the rock n’ roll (Black Sabbath, Cheap Trick, Devo, Blue Öyster Cult, Journey, and Don Felder’s theme song, “Heavy Metal (Takin’ a Ride)”), join the cult that’s kept this relic alive all these years. Followed by a second anthology in 2000 (aptly titled Heavy Metal 2000).

65/100