Walt Disney said “We have created characters and animated them in the dimension of depth, revealing through them to our perturbed world that the things we have in common far outnumber and outweigh those that divide us.” Outside of Walt himself there are few people who have brought together and united more animators in the history of the genre than Craig "Spike" Decker and Mike Gribble, known to all as Spike & Mike. They created an animation festival that helped launch the careers of John Lasseter, Peter Lord, Will Vinton, Bill Plympton and Mike Judge to name just a few. Their Spike & Mike festival had an enormous impact on animation that was felt the world over. The festival was known as much for the breakthrough animation it presented as the outrageous antics of the founders.
This documentary delves into the chaotic and often controversial world of independent animation, focusing on the careers and struggles of artists who push creative boundaries. It highlights the challenges of making animation outside the traditional studio system, exploring themes of artistic integrity, censorship, and the pursuit of a unique vision. Through interviews and archival footage, the film showcases the passion and dedication required to bring unconventional animated stories to life.
Animation Outlaws received positive reviews, particularly for its candid look at the independent animation scene and its exploration of the creative process. Critics praised its energetic pacing and the compelling stories of its subjects, though some noted that the film's raw nature might not appeal to all viewers.
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The documentary features interviews with animation legends, including John Kricfalusi, creator of 'The Ren & Stimpy Show', offering a rare glimpse into his post-show endeavors.
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