ANTZ Synopsis Who'd have ever though that Woody Allen's most effective screen role would be a neurotic worker ant in a computer animated feature film? Then again, perhaps the question should be: Why didn't anyone think of it sooner? Antz is a delightfully funny and technically amazing film. It tells the story of Z-4195, a worker ant and middle child (in a family of five million) who suffers from feelings of insignificance. And who wouldn't? Let's face it; what's one more ant among an entire colony? Then, Princess Bala literally dances into his life. The princess has been similarly disillusioned with her lot in life and decides to spend a night "slumming" with the workers. After an unusual turn on the dance floor, Z becomes smitten. In order to see her again, Z poses as a soldier ant, changing places with his friend, Weaver. Through a series of events, Z and Bala discover a plot by General Mandible, which will wipe out the worker ant population, leaving a stronger, soldier ant colony. The Message We are obviously to sympathize with Z. While still a larva, he was labeled a worker ant. From that moment on, he was expected to conform to the worker ant definition. Being different was considered bad form... almost sacrilegious. Many people expect the same of a Christian. Once so labeled, we are expected to fit within a preconceived stereotype of what a Christian should be. Usually, that picture is not a flattering one. Those who hold such stereotypes in their minds do not fully read the Scriptures. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 1 Corinthians 12:27 [KJV] We may be of the same body of Christ (just as the ants were of the same colony), but we are also members in particular. Each of us has contributions to make - a journey to take on which we excel to the benefit of the body of Christ. However, we are not, nor have we ever been robots or clones, dumbly mimicking the actions of others. It is our individual skills and abilities that bring richness and diversity to the body of Christ. While we recognize that there are boundaries (the standards or commandments of God) within which we are to operate those skills and abilities, such boundaries are wide enough to allow plenty of room for individual growth and expression. Z manages to hold onto those qualities, which make him a unique ant while at the same time recognizing and appreciating the importance of working together as a colony (household). Scriptures 1 Corinthians 12:27 1Cr 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. Proverbs 6:6 Pro 6:6 Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Proverbs 30:24-25 Pro 30:24 Four things on earth are small, but they are exceedingly wise: Pro 30:25 the ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer; Community Discussion Questions:  ·How could a church body be the perfect "group?"  ·Read Acts 2:41-46.  Act 2:41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. Act 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Act 2:43 And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Act 2:44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common; Act 2:45 and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need. Act 2:46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts, Are these practical expectations for the modern church? Why or why not? ·When have you felt as if you were out of place? ·How can friends help each other in awkward situations? ·How does supporting each other draw people to Jesus? ·Do you feel supported when you come to church? Why or why not? ·What are some ways we could better encourage and support each other in our youth group? ·Do you think technology makes our society more or less connected? Explain. What are some innovative ways that people now have for connecting with each other? Do these methods create deep connections? Why or why not? ·What do you hope to receive from your connections with other people? ·In your opinion, what components create authentic community? ·Why does genuine community in a church attract people?  Other Topics for discussion Dreams ·Why do people end up "staring" at their dreams instead of trying to make them reality? What do you think is the biggest obstacle between you and your dream? your greatest asset in achieving your dream? ·Do you think God cares about our dreams and desires? Why or why not? ·How can we discern whether or not a dream conforms to God's will for us? ·Look at Deuteronomy 28:1-6. How does obedience help our plans succeed? If we fail to achieve our dreams, does this mean we've been disobedient? Why or why not? ·What can you do this week to move a dream closer to reality?  Deceit ·Has someone ever deceived or used you? If so, what happened? How did you feel once you discovered the truth? ·What reasons do people have for deceiving others? Is it ever acceptable to deceive someone? Why or why not? ·Look at Psalm 5:4-6. Why does God hate deceit so much? ·In what areas of everyday life is it most tempting to deceive people? How do you usually deal with these temptations? Explain. ·How does deceit damage your relationships with others? your relationship with God? your own soul? ·How can you find peace and healing from situations where you've been deceived? How can you guard against future deceit in your own life? Confrontation ·What was the last confrontation you had and how was it resolved? ·Do you think you handled the situation well? Why or why not? ·Look at Proverbs 15:1-2. What good are "gentle answers" when we know we're right? ·How can you be gentle and still get what's rightfully yours? ·How did Jesus confront people in the Bible? (For examples, check out Luke 22:1-6, 47-48 and John 13:37-38; 18: 25-27; 21:15-19.) ·What's different about Christ's "confrontational" style in comparison to your style? what's similar? OUR WORD TO THE WISE:  Here's a quick look at the film's content. The PG rating comes from mild language (nothing worse than "crap" or "ass") as well as some peril-filled scenes that may be tense, unsettling, or frightening to your kids (all being dependent on their age, maturity level and tolerance for such scenes). Beyond the violence that accompanies such scenes (including a battle sequence where all but Z end up dead), there are some mild references to characters being intoxicated, some minor sexual references, and the obligatory villain with his standard bad attitudes. Other than that, however, most of the remaining categories have little or no major objectionable material. Even so, and particularly since many kids will probably want to see this film, you may want to take a closer look at our listings should you question the film's appropriateness for anyone in your home. BLOOD/GORE  ·Weaver drinks "aphid beer" from such a dismembered creature's body, something that Z comments on: "I've got a problem drinking from the anus of another creature." ·After a battle between the termites and the ants, we see bodies of both lying everywhere (no blood or gore), and Z finds the decapitated head of another solider ant (that still manages to talk to him before dying). ·A sun beam shot from a magnifying glass zaps several ants, one of which disintegrates from the ray. ·Eating an unidentifiable piece of material, a bug says that it "tastes like crap." Another bug then tastes it and comments that it is "crap." ·Weaver's face has some red abrasions from where Mandible's men have punched him trying to get him to talk. PROFANITY  ·At least 4 damns, 2 hells, 2 craps, 1 ass and 2 uses of "Oh my God" as exclamations. SEX/NUDITY  ·Z makes a sarcastic remark to Bala about her being part of his "most erotic fantasies," but says that she can now forget that (after he thinks that she no longer likes him). ·Other ants comment on Z "bagging" the princess, but the full meaning of that is never explained. VIOLENCE  ·Insect on insect violence is hard to rate, but the ant vs. termite battle scene near gives the category a "heavy" rating. ·A bar bouncer tries to punch Z for being a nonconformist, but the punch lands in Weaver's gut with no effect. Weaver then hits that ant, knocking him into the band, and then punches another bouncer. A brief, but all encompassing barroom brawl then breaks out, with many ants punching and hitting others. ·The soldier ants fight similarly motivated termites, resulting in many onscreen deaths (nothing too graphic but showing termites biting and/or eating ants, hitting them with acid, or the ants stabbing termites with their spears) and all but Z are dead by the end of the battle. ·Bala smacks, elbows in the face and then hits Z several times.  ·A sun beam shot from a magnifying glass zaps several ants.  ·One of Mandible's men punches Weaver trying to get him to talk while being interrogated, and the red abrasions on his face show that they've punched him more than once. They also threaten Azteca if he won't talk, and thus he does.