Space Bikers from Planet Blig makes no sense. It’s scattered, weirdly animated, and even a bit too convoluted. But, what makes even less sense than the film itself is the fact that I enjoyed it. The 23-minute short doesn’t really know what it wants to be; is it a comedy? A drama? An action flick? I’m not sure, and I don’t think that co-writer/director Apostoly Peter Kouroumalis and co-writer Jay McKiernan are sure either. But, regardless of the struggles of the production, the odd sci-fi tale managed to entertain me and even provide a chuckle or two along the way.
In the dark depths of outer space exists the space bikers from Planet Blig. Bud (Brandon Horsford), one of the bikers, is tasked with defending the universe and keeping the peace. Bud’s a hulking, frightening figure, but this journey may be too much even for him to handle, as he will be tested like never before.
“Bud, one of the bikers, is tasked with defending the universe…”
The animation in Space Bikers from Planet Blig is rugged and rough. It’s easy to let some small mistakes make their way into a low-budget animated movie. But it’s just as easy to overlook them. However, the consistency throughout is fantastic. I’m able to appreciate the work that went into developing the film’s unique, purposeful designs.
But I’m confused by the voice acting because it’s equally frustrating and entertaining. The voices don’t fit with the characters’ aesthetic, who all appear grotesque and gnarled. But the voice acting is so interesting and funny, and strangely enjoyable as a result. Horsford is possibly the strangest of them all. He’s both bizarre and appealing in his decisions, and the fact that he’s so original is weirdly inviting. He’s the perfect choice as the lead. Horsford, along with some other unique reasons, is why the movie is so entertaining.
There is a lot of content jammed into this twisted narrative of other-worldly invasion, and it works. The story feels a bit chaotic, but there isn’t much that bogs down the momentum. This sci-fi odyssey moves quickly, piquing viewers’ interest and keeping them engaged throughout. It is a peculiar film about outer space, biker gangs, and love and is truly one of the strangest things I’ve seen in a long time. The marriage of one-of-a-kind visuals, unique voice acting, and a narrative that twists and turns from the start creates something truly enjoyable. There’s nothing quite like Space Bikers from Planet Blig, and I doubt I’ll ever see anything like it again.
"…one-of-a-kind visuals, unique voice acting, and a narrative that twists and turns from the start..."
