Animal Farm (1999)

Animal Farm is a 1999 television film produced by Hallmark that aired on TNT. It is based on the 1945 novel of the same name by George Orwell.

Bad Qualities

 * 1) The film’s cover tried to make it look like a cute, Disneyesque movie for kids. Those who've read the original book will know otherwise.
 * 2) Bad CGI for the rat.
 * 3) Frederick, the Hitler allegory, is portrayed too sympathetically.
 * 4) Somewhat poor grasp of the source material. The ending, which tries to reflect the real-life downfall of the Soviet Union, especially sees the animals vowing to do things right and a smiling human family driving to the farm which is in direct contrast to the book's original ending. Not to mention it becomes hard to look at as anything but out-of-touch due to the actual history of post-communist Russia, especially under Vladimir Putin’s rule.
 * 5) Old Major’s death is handled poorly.
 * 6) Generic score.

Good Qualities

 * 1) At least the basic story adheres to the book.
 * 2) Some funny and heartwarming moments.
 * 3) The idea of making a minor character in the book the protagonist is interesting.
 * 4) Good acting.
 * 5) Most of the animatronics are impressive for 1999.