Anucave (2019 film)

Anucave is an American comedy adventure family film directed by Jon Favreau and a reboot of the 1997 film with the same name. It is produced and distributed by Universal Studios. The film stars Lennon Richardson, Gabriel Combs, Millie Bobby Brlwn, Jack Black, and Chris Evans. The film follows Leo the Lion, Bill the Bear, and Bandit the Ferret as they must protect the jungles of Anucave from humans. The film is also the second film in the Animal Cinematic Universe (ACU).

The film was released theatrically in the United States on October 7, 2019. It was a box office success, grossing over $750 million against a $300 million budget and received critical acclaim for its plot, casting, humor, performances, and heart. A sequel is scheduled to be released on November 25, 2020.

Plot
Many Years Ago, Indians (Idris Elba, Johnny Depp, Peter Dinklage, and Bruce Willis) rumored a powerful earthquake known as the “Jungle’s Doom”. The Indians predicted that the Earthquake would form many Years in the future, but they should be prepared. The Indians later died due to a Heart Attack and Anxiety.

In the Present, Leo the Lion (Lennon Richardson) is chased by a Bear named Bill (Gabriel Combs), who was attempting to invite him inside of his Cave. In the Cave, Bill reveals that the Jungle’s Doom would take place in an Hour and that they should collect the Animals. Leo denies the truth and leaves scared, leaving Bill to prepare alone.

Leo, on the way Home, meets Bandit (Millie Bobby Brown), a ferret. Leo and Bandit discuss with the Chief Elder (Jeffery Tambor) about the Jungle’s End as an unknown force begins to destroy the Jungle. The animals hide out in Bill’s cave as their home is destroyed by an unknown force that is presumably the Jungle’s End.

The Animals come out and discover that their entire home is destroyed, discovering that humans destroyed it to prevent the Jungle’s End. Leo, Bill, and Bandit volunteer to scope out the City and find out what their plans are. The other Animals hide out in Bill’s cave as the three set out on a Journey.

Leo, Bill, and Bandit arrive in the city and are captured by an unknown figure, which is revealed to be an evil Pig named Porky (Jack Black), who set up the trap to kill the Animals and prevent the Jungle’s End. As Porky leaves, Leo and Bill escape with Bandit and the three hide out in Porky’s mother’s room.

As Bandit searches for Porky, Bill discusses with Leo about his feelings, revealing that he has a crush on Bandit. Leo decides that it’s not important as Bandit arrives and steals the Human scrapbook that reveals their plans. The humans plot to turn the Jungles of Anucave into a City to repopulate the Earth as they believe that the rest of the world has died out.

Leo and Bill sneak through the House of Parties to find the Plans and torch them. They then go in disguise and meet Businessman (Chris Evans), who reveals to have created Porky and is the brains behind the operation. Leo and Bill are cornered and caught as they fight the humans and escape the house, where Porky begins his plot of revenge.

Leo, Bill, and Bandit search for the other Animals, who are revealed to have been captured by Businessman. The three are then captured by Businessman, who is revealed to have been Porky in disguise. Porky plotted to kill all animals and destroy the Jungle to create a giant farm. The three escape and battle Porky.

Porky tries to kill Bandit, but Bill reveals that he has a crush on her and fights Porky. Leo then kicks Porky off the balcony but is pulled under onto the rail that is used to destroy everything. Bill pushes the button and Lion sacrifices himself to save Bill, Bandit, and the other Animals, who destroy the entire city and bring the Humans to New York instead.

Leo is revealed to be alive. Leo, Bill, and Bandit have a happy ending. The three become friends, Bill and Bandit start dating, and the three live happily ever after. The Jungle of Anucave is fixed as the trees disappearing were in a Room. The Animals live happy lives and Leo, Bill, and Bandit go on as the Heroes of Anucave.

In a mid-credit scene, the three discover that the rest of the world is still alive and that there‘s a threat coming to Earth.

Cast
Additionally, Idris Elba, Johnny Depp, Peter Dinklage, Bruce Willis, and Jeffrey Tambor portrayed the Indians from the past and the Chief Elder, respectively.
 * Lennon Richardson as Leo,
 * Gabriel Combs as Bill
 * Millie Bobby Brown as Bandit
 * Jack Black as Porky
 * Chris Evans as Businessman

Production
The film was announced alongside Spike and Brandon, which also set up the events of this film. Lennon Richardson and Gabriel Combs, the actors of the current animated Anucave TV specials, reprise their roles as Leo and Bill. In May 2019, it was announced that Millie Bobby Brown, Jack Black, and Chris Evans would be cast as Bandit, Porky, and Businessman in the film. Filming began in June 2020 and ended in August 2020, when the film’s trailer was released.

Reception
The film received critical acclaim for its plot, casting, performances, humor, and heart. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film received a 94% Score, with an average rating of 8.75/10. The site’s critical consensus reads, “A fun installment to a fun franchise, Anucave captures the source material’s heart while improving upon the original.” On an A+ to F Scale, the film received an “A”.

Release
The film was released theatrically in the United States on October 7, 2019. It was also released digitally on November 25, 2019, and on Blu-Ray and DVD on December 6, 2019.

Sequel
A sequel, titled Anucave: Out of the Jungle, is set to be released theatrically in the United States on November 25, 2020.