The Phantom Tollbooth - AniMat’s Classic Reviews

[@salemjimenez6906]

Sadly Alot of Animated feature films of the 1970s that are not made by Disney ,have been forgotten by the mainstream. This movie is great in my opinion

[@Dinobolt1]

I agree. The book is better but this is still a worthy adaption. 70s animation on television was the true dark age of animation for me, but animated movies tended to fare much better. Heck, my all-time favorite 70s animated production has always been Robin Hood.

[@salemjimenez6906]

@@Dinobolt1 Robin hood is one of my favorite Disney movies period.

[@tenchiofJurai67]

One thing I enjoyed about Phantom Tollbooth was that Milo goes to a world where logic and sanity, or rhyme and reason, are not endemic to that world; rather, it is shown to be the main problem with it. Milo is essentially sent to this world to be its saviour, and along the way learns what it means to be a student of knowledge in the real world. The whole plot is centered on Milo, and his being the catalyst for changing not only the Kingdom of Wisdom, but also himself. I gather the author was a humanist, because the story is pervasive with humanist philosophy. The idea that rhyme and reason can reign in illogicity and ignorance adds depth and intrigue to an otherwise formulaic "kid goes on a quest" plotline. 9/10 for the story based on that.

[@Musicradio77Network]

There was one problem about this movie, the original soundtrack album. Back around 1970, MGM Records was planned to release the soundtrack album to “The Phantom Tollbooth” where it has songs from the movie. But sadly, the soundtrack album got cancelled, because the movie tanked at the Box Office. And MGM Records had no plans to release the album for no reason. That was very disappointed for the label.

[@ZiggyTheCat777]

I named my kid Milo after this character, it was my favourite childhood book.

[@heroshadow42]

Phantom Tollbooth was an obscure childhood memory and then I recognized it when it popped up in my KZbin Movie suggestions.

[@jamescoppock4448]

My primary school did a play of the Phantom Tollbooth. I'll never forget it, it was so brilliant. They clearly took inspiration from this film because it featured updated versions of the songs from this film. They also made the plot of the story make more sense and I felt each character had a purpose. I just wish that the school play was on DVD or something, which of course it's not. Oh well, as long as my friends remember it I'm happy.

[@joetophat2121]

One of my favorite non-Disney animated movies growing up. Re-watched after learning about Norton Juster's death and it still holds up.

[@thecat944]

I just love Chuck Jone's animation! So full of energy and personality. Great video!

[@briannatorres4383]

I couldn't totally agree with you more, The Cat.

[@mortalanonymous9338]

This is one of my favorite childhood books. Taught me wordplay and the art of messing with expectations. I had no idea there was a movie, much less a Chuck Jones one, but unfortunately this doesn't seem to have the same charm. = / Glad to learn it exist though.

[@vladi569]

I was waiting for this review. God... I love this movie... it may have received only 7/10, but for me, this movie simply works... I love the characters, love the story... know this movie practically from top to bottom and can quote it anytime. I love the humor... (I have never seen anyone so guilty) ... it may not have the strongest story line, but it just totally grabed me. Maybe I am a Chuck Jones fan and I love his work in this movie... I like the fact that Milo does make mistakes and feels actually pretty believable to me. The demons are creative and also the words that can defeat them. It is maybe a little simple, but on the other hand this movie gives some good lessons. I would personally show this to my kids over movies like Transformers. Seen it million times... Insectius Humbugius. :D ... Love this movie. One of my all time favorite... and it would really make me happy if people would talk about it more... or if only more people would see it. To me... one of the most perfect movies I have ever seen.

[@joinmarch76]

Actually, technically speaking, this couldn't be qualified as an original Chuck Jones material either; since this was based on a book aptly named the Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. Also, in the defense of the characters, one of the most memorable bits about them has to be the voice acting. It's a smorgasbord of who's-who of some of the 70's finest; be it Mel Blanc, Hans Conreid, Larry Thor, Candy Candido, June Foray, Daws Butler, and even Thurl Ravenscroft, they ALL help the characters stand out in a way that makes it all come together.

[@nebuchadnezzar8683]

Is it me or does Milo remind me of Christopher Robin from Winine The Pooh?

[@tdfritzthe1st]

Well, for one they do have similar hair styles.

[@eternaldragon1022]

Joey Margolian its only you

[@avidenaro6612]

Hmm... Nah, it's just you.

[@obitchaman]

Christopher Robin is the baseball God....we don't speak his name...

[@VidtopiaEntertainment]

He does look like the 2011 Christopher Robin.🤔🤔🤔

[@DiegoDiaz-rs4ej]

Full Voice Actor List Butch Patrick: Milo - Larry Thor: Tock the Watchdog - Les Tremayne: Humbug - Hans Conried: King Azzaz and The Mathemagician - Mel Blanc: The Grumpy Police Officer, The Dodechahedron, Multiple Males - Daws Butler: Whether Man, Multiple Males - June Foray: Macabre the Witch, The Princess of Reason, Multiple Females - Patti Gilbert: The Princess of Rhyme - Cliff Norton: Dr. Kakofanus A Dischord - Shepherd Menken: A Spelling Bee, Chroma the Great (The Sky Composer) - Candi Candido: The Awful Dinn - Thurl Ravenscroft: Multiple Lethargians

[@SketchBud]

I wonder if Jaimetud will do a "From Pages to Pictures" episode on this film?

[@osceyconVR]

If y'all watched the movie without reading the book, i recommend reading. the book came out first (obviously) and it has the Forest of Sight and Valley of Sound added, as well as the island of conclusions.

[@animefan77]

4:12- I really like the design of the movie, especially the characters. Chuck Jones in the latter half of his career developed a style that I can only say is cool. It’s suave, expressive, and elegant- it’s taking the Disney-esque style of his earlier years and taking into the opposite direction- emphasizing the comedic aspect while having a rather juxtaposing refined look. I’d say this film is his magnum opus- he really experiments with how far he can take the medium going from his usual refined work to more deranged designs like the Demons of Ignorance or more abstract ones like the Awful Dyne. And many other examples.

[@animefan25]

First time I watched this movie was on Cartoon Network as a part of their series, Mr. Spymm’s Cartoon Theater.

[@CalliopePony]

The movie is okay, but it really doesn't do justice to the book. The book was so clever and memorable, and it was really vibrant in the places where the movie fell flat.

[@MandDmommy]

Not to mention it skipped out on some really fun points like the valley of sounds and skipped over some charters like alec

[@kugelweg]

You are so wrong about the songs. Time is a Gift is an adorable and catchy tune that I often find myself humming! Otherwise, this review is spot on.

[@captkarnage]

An interesting point missed is that both "The Phantom Tollbooth" and "The Dot and the Line" were books by the same author, Norton Juster.

[@max2082]

This is such a good movie/cartoon. But I mean it's Chuck Jones. I'll never forget watching this as a kid.

[@justrenee2640]

just finished watching this less than 10 seconds ago and honestly for me this combined the BEST elements of edutainment, loved this immensely

[@SpacePotatoJTASP]

I wouldn’t say it is education, but I still agree

[@DiegoDiaz-rs4ej]

Because Animat calls this movie "underrated", I treated that as a reason to see it for myself. (touched face) And I'm so glad I did. Not only was Milo a cute boy, and not only did his child actor get to work with recognizable adult voices like Mel Blanc, Daws Butler and June Foray, but just the story is so touching. Milo starts out bored with his life and unable to find happiness, but thanks to the cartoon story, he can finally find happiness and understands the importance of education! Not to mention there is not a single hatable character in the entire movie! Not one character abuses Milo, makes him feel upset or betrays him. All the good guys only focus on helping him keep his sanity, and the bad guys are dealt with quickly and bluntly. I'm telling you, I have not felt this happy at the end of a movie since Pinocchio, The Land Before Time Sequels, or the Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends Pilot Movie. I actually would rather watch this movie than Alice in Wonderland! (no offense, Animat)

[@strikerevimus]

You know Matt, I watched this movie a long, long time ago, back when I was in elementary school. But I sadly never got to see the entire thing. I really wish I had though. But I remember liking what I had seen, and I'm happy another person agrees that it's good. It really needs to be more well appreciated. I'll have to keep an eye out for it and pick it up so I can finally watch the entire thing. It's been so long too that it'll be like watching it for the first time. Thank you for the review, and bringing the movie to the attention of more people who would otherwise not know about it.

[@nemowindsor8724]

Milo really resembles Arthur from Sword in the Stone, the dog looks like Max from the Grinch, but I love the more experimental animation!

[@animefan77]

The difference between Wonderland and Tollbooth is that in the case of the former, with only a few exceptions at the bare minium, the majority of the cast are hostile to Alice and the world is naturally weird; and in the case of the latter, there are much more supportive characters with the truly hostile ones being literal embodiments of negative aspects of humanity and the chaotic nature of the world is actually an unnatural condition to cure, giving Milo more agency and purpose to fix it rather than Alice who is dragged along the madness.

[@supertan2227]

Can you review Meet the Robinsons and/or Bolt?

[@supertan2227]

MushroomQueen20 I really want to see what animat thinks of it

[@samuelprusa817]

You could make pateron request for Bolt.

[@georgeharvey4226]

Super Tan Write him an email.

[@jacobbelow4136]

You know, most anything animated that was adapted from a book failed to satisfy the author-just look at E.B. white and 'Charlotte's Web, it's a word-for-word adaptation). I do feel that authors are just as entitled as anybody else, but regardless, I remember seeing this movie in school, and I thought it was great!

[@Blokewood3]

Yeah, a lot of authors can be very particular. It's understandable, given that authors make their stories all on their own, while film is a more collaborative process. I love this movie too. The book of the Phantom Tollbooth is one of my favorite books, but I still think the movie has merit. It had to cut out quite a bit, and it changed a few details, but much of the dialogue is taken straight from the book. I think that a lot of book authors also don't seem to like musicals. Norton Juster and E.B White both complained about the fact that the adaptations of their work were musicals.

[@Blokewood3]

I do know one example of an author of children's books that was more forgiving: Lloyd Alexander wrote that he liked Disney's adaptation of The Black Cauldron, and he hoped it did well, though he preferred to think of it as an original story (fair enough, given that they drastically reworked the stories of the first two books of his series).

[@nemowindsor8724]

I had no idea there was an animated film for his book! Thanks for letting me know, I'm definitely checking this out.

[@richardwashington6645]

Many years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting both Norton Juster and Jules Feiffer, the original book's author and artist. I told them about a dream I've had for about 30 years now: a full-fledged, nonmusical remake of The Phantom Tollbooth. I wanted it to be made at Pinewood Studios in England, and on location in New York, with Industrial Light and Magic and Jim Henson's Creature Shop doing all the visual effects. Sadly, Norton Juster has gone on record as stating that he hates the Chuck Jones Tollbooth; since then, there have reports about a live-action/CGI remake. To date, no one has stepped up to the challenge --- and that's a shame, really, because the Chuck Jones Tollbooth was supposed to be MGM's Christmas release for 1969, the year that it was copyrighted; but Tollbooth and its accompanying short subject, The Dot and the Line, fell victim to studio politics then in vogue at MGM. The film itself was not released until 1971, by which time the MGM animation department shut down and then fired all its personnel, including Chuck Jones. So if anyone wants to remake The Phantom Tollbooth, this word of advice: do not involve Norton Juster. Knowing him, he'd probably hate a CGI version of his book, too.

[@livmendel]

Can you review The Road to El Dorado and/or The Emperor's New Groove please? I love both movies!

[@factoidfirefly7798]

This was my favorite movie as a little kid. I loved to watch it with my mother. :D I'm so happy to see a review about it. 7/10...Fair enough. =P I hope more people watch it with their kids, it has a good message if nothing else.

[@snowballanimations5953]

Am I the only one who'd like to see Animat review Song Of The Sea? (it's such a beautifully animated movie and it ACTUALLY MADE ME CRY. I don't usually cry from these movies but this one made me cry.)

[@cunegonde4]

I loved this movie as a kid. It was so weird and such a departure from Disney. I loved the songs too,“Time! Time! Time! Time!” It really does stick with you and there’s nothing else like it.

[@SRHunt85]

I read the Phantom Tollbooth in 5th grade, because we were going to see a stage production. And I was surprised to learn that there was a movie!

[@Saiyagurl]

As much of a Disney fan as I am I actually prefer this over Alice and Wonderland and I REALLY prefer the book version of this than the book version of Alice and Wonderland. I was born in 1990 and I remember seeing this on tv quite a bit and I really enjoyed it. So much so that the movie made me want to read the book. I loved the songs and I still remember most of them. This is one of those underrated animated movies that I will always love.

[@RumbleDelta]

He's finally going to review the BFG! YES! That's one of my favourite movies!

[@JesuszillaCorp]

Watched this as much as ninja turtles back then

[@papyrustheskeleton5814]

he's gonna review trolls now

[@matthewford8977]

Animat's review of dreamworks trolls movie will come out on Friday of next week

[@Stichting_NoFa-p]

I remember seeing this as a kid on VHS. My parents recorded it from cartoon network, watched it again a couple of times. I couldn't speak a word English but I still remember that I somehow understood many words and phrases.

[@Shade2800]

I remember reading the original book for school. Was certainly one of the more interesting ones to be sure.

[@djdragondrawer9339]

Shade2800 I found it confusing at first, but I read it again recently and now I find it trippy.

[@MsAnimeraven]

i love The Phantom Tollbooth . iv read the book i have film there rumor that someone is going to do a remake of this book

[@meb1130]

Shade2800 I loved the book we read the book then we watched the movie I personally think that the book is better

[@MsAnimeraven]

will me to

[@brettsoyars4341]

I liked all of the songs.

[@sasamichan]

this was one of my suggestions for your hat. not sure if that's why you did it. This is a movie I remembered parts of but the name and characters and songs were so forgetable, learning the name so I could add it to the hat was hard! and no one till now ever even once talked about it so I had no reviews to jog my memory either.

[@Insane-Howl-Cowl]

I remember watching this on Cartoon Network. Such a trip!

[@azadalamiq]

old video but: alice did have a goal. She was chasing the white rabit to see what the fuss was about, and why he was in a waistcoat.

[@LivingCrusader]

I remember the animation and end, but could never recall the title. I think I only saw half of it when I was little. Thanks.

[@toyland_f]

Big Fucking Gun!

[@emcvideoproductions500]

YAY! I LOVED THE ANIMATED BFG MOVIE!

[@MegaSoulHero]

Is the next classic review the animated BFG movie?

[@gamestation2690]

Very likely.

[@alexanderklepp]

It is; he said beloved children's book and not the Spielberg one. It's The BFG ie one of the view adaptations of Roald Dahl's work that he actually enjoyed along with Danny the Champion of the World. As many might know, he HATED Willy Wonka almost as much as Mr.Coat does.

[@aristidetwain9117]

I knew he liked the animated "BFG", and so do I. Though I do like "Willy Wonka". By the way, who is this Mr Coat?

[@alexanderklepp]

Mr.Coat is associated with Animat on Mr.Coat and Friends. Check his work out sometimes. He's great.

[@gamestation2690]

Alex Klepp I wonder what Dahl would have thought about the Tim Burton movie.

[@brandonlyon730]

Makes me wonder though, where does algebra play in separate math and word kingdoms?

[@MiyuSawai]

Milo, the main protagonist of "The Phantom Tollbooth" was played by Butch Patrick, who years earlier played Eddie Munster in the TV series "The Munsters"

[@StargazerAeons]

I'm just screaming because almost everything he is saying is wrong with the film is what was present in the book. Now some of his points do hold ground, but if I wanted a review on the book I would look up a review of the book.

[@raduciungan7042]

The songs of this movie are great and they stuck with me for over 20 years. It's a great movie to watch with your child.

[@MaliceInCandyland]

I watched this as a kid a few times and haven't since then, but what I remember the most is how scary the 'Wonderland' characters are. And I vividly remember the doldrums putting Milo to sleep.

[@theluckiesteh9058]

This film looked awesome the minute I saw it! I wanna see this movie! :D

[@cjdennis149]

Very fair review! The movie wasn't brilliant, but nor was it forgettable. The book was better, but the film did capture enough of the story to make it worthwhile watching. I loved the book as a kid and would recommend any parent to introduce their own kids to it. Even as a kid I thought the movie was daggy but still enjoyed watching it on the Beta copy we made off air!

[@IHD316Rules]

I remember this movie since I was little. I used to have on VHS but it long time ago

[@maxmantell5009]

Can you do an animation lookback on blue sky studios?

[@Sandlot1992]

Max Mantell they only made 11 animated films and that's not going to be enough!

[@CJPrime931]

I saw a glimpse of this movie on TV as a little boy, but I had no idea what it was.

[@KojiandDon]

the phantom tollbooth should definitely get a anime remake including the neverending story. because there should have tears,funny expressions, The faces that appear when your happy,sad,scared,or mad , and the monsters from the mountains of ignorance should also look like kaijus.

[@FlowerPhantom]

Oh wow, I remember reading The Phantom Tollbooth in the sixth grade and watching this movie. :) I actually liked it.

[@BlazeHeartPanther]

I honestly liked the Speilberg BFG, it was one of the underated films of 2016 along with Pete's Dragon

[@odanis12]

OMG I remember this. when cartoon network first launched they showed this all the time :-)

[@Lars_E_Mou]

It's feel like Raggedy Ann and Andy, without the too much insane visuals.

[@MokiNS1]

funny how i just rewatched this movie 2 weeks ago

[@animefan25]

There is a funny thing about The Phantom Tollbooth. When it aired on Cartoon Network back in the day, the Dot and the Line aired right after.

[@nekobenjy15]

I loved this movie as a kid and it took me years to find it again

[@fullmetalmasify]

The BFG review is next? I haven't seen that film since 4th grade.

[@kirjom2505]

the next review will be... Big Friendly Giant the animated film?

[@nathancook1404]

How about talking about An American Tail since this month is the 30th anniversary the movie came out in theaters on November 21st 1986!

[@tdfritzthe1st]

I'm guessing it's the BFG movie directed by Brian Cosgrove.

[@andrewharris7517]

I remember seeing this in the theater and I loved it. Your channel is Electric! Could you do a video on Alakazam the Great.

[@jtothepmoreno1010]

That boy looks like Christopher Robin....

[@lizanmoncada1460]

I think this is for kids because it has numbers so they can learn

[@durece100]

Minimum wage in the year 1970 was $1.45 and this is the last MGM feature film release to include both live-action and animated segments.

[@christophermoore5007]

Until pink Floyd the wall.

[@jeffreybarrow9788]

I do remember reading the book as a kid, but I really don't remember seeing the film at anytime.

[@adaw1635]

Again Animat can you do a review on the warner bros movie Quest for camelot? please? i wanna see you thoughts and opinions about the movie.

[@LittleJoeTheMoonlightCat]

The Dot And The Line also has a Scribble and the line has line friends.

[@TiffanyGrey]

10:25 I definitely remember that doldrums song bc it scared tf out of me 🤣🤣

[@alezkorpuz]

Review bebe's kids or freaking osmosis jones

[@JGstarzintheireyes]

OH MY GOSH! THE BFG! This was my request, not to boast too much

[@JGstarzintheireyes]

It is fantastic, Speilberg's live action isn't as good though

[@UFBUtifuleyes]

Yep, I heard "Here comes a whizzpopper!" near the end, so it must be true!

[@andriygriffin4782]

And just in time before Roald Dahls 100th Birthday ends!

[@durece100]

Animat, this film was produced by Chuck Jones at MGM Animation/Visual Arts, not Warner Bros.. 1:10

[@stormberrymc4510]

Can you review animated Tom Sawyer 2000, Crayola's Ugly Duckling, or the Great Chipmunk Adventure?

[@RoninCatholic]

This is my favorite movie to date.

[@J1P2K]

I remember watching this a little kid.

[@Ahturos]

I have never heard about this movie so I am really intrested to look it up.

[@adictive24]

This movie is good, so obscure, and was a big part of my childhood. I e wish I could find this movie. God I miss it.

[@georgeharvey4226]

OMG! The next review is going to be 'The BFG'! (No joke intended.)

[@kameronbiggs5495]

Is it the BFG? 'Cause that's the only film Spielberg has made a version of.

[@deadlyjedi]

Im just glad to know other people have seen this movie other than my brothers and I.

[@jacksonmartini3195]

I saw movie and read the book back in 2013. I loved them, and I still find satisfaction in them today.

[@mkaplan1383]

4:36 GADZOOKS! I knew Goth Rock and Heavy Metal bands from the Netherlands were crazy but I didn't know they dressed this crazy even in the 80s. I'm thinking they're way before Arch Enemy, Nightwish, and Therion....

[@avosmash2121]

I hope someday you will review Shinbone Alley! You can find it only on YT

[@CalebCraft10]

When is Trolls?

[@captainimagination1110]

ElectricDragon505 can you do Classic Reviews of Shrek and Shrek 2.

[@norishabbas9797]

wow this is very nice story the phantom tollbooth

[@usoppfangirl8153]

I love this book so much!!!! It was so good! I did a project on it and got a A+

[@fernandorodriguez1340]

I'm reading this in school and I'm going to finish the book this week

[@wizofwonders]

Holy cow I almost thought this movie was a fever dream I remember this one now.

[@dbbyellow4550]

My Ratings: Story: 7/10 - Most flaws are sadly not so minor, but I can definitely agree that it is close to being an Alice in Wonderland not made by Disney. Animation: 10/10 - Chuck Jones never ceases to amaze me with his art style... Characters - 6/10 - Most are forgettable, but I can actually kinda relate to Milo, and I did find Toc and The Humbug to be pretty good. Songs - 5/10 - Yeah, they aren't really anything spectacular, but few do have a purpose to the plot. The Phantom Tollbooth: 7/10 - Why a lot of people skip over this is understandable, but I personally enjoyed this. BFG for the next one? Phew. I was hoping it would be nothing terrible to start the holiday month that is December.