Bug City's Amazing Insect Warriors (NR, 1998)

BUG CITY'S AMAZING INSECT WARRIORS introduces young children to the insect world and learn about the amazing -- and often ferocious -- qualities of its residents. Weaver ants cut and sew leaves to protect themselves from outsiders. Bombadier beetles produce and spray boiling chemical gas on attackers. Stink beetles? Well, they bombard foes with noxious stenches. Then there is the famed war-like and efficient preying mantas, used by filmmakers as models for aliens.

Expect to dive right into the insect world and learn about the amazing -- and often ferocious -- qualities of its residents. If you're able to get past the boring personae of hosts Christina Ricci and Bugsy Seagull, then great! They were probably hired for the job in order to appeal to the kiddie population. Instead, they have the exact opposite effect. Luckily, Dr. Art Evans's knowledge and obvious enthusiasm keep up the video's stamina. He also narrates the insect footage, providing neat information.

Wonderful facts and footage about army ants, spitting spiders, ladybugs, spiny walking sticks, and the beloved arachnids (spiders!) make this video exceptional. Still, it's a lecture-type film -- nothing but the facts! Missing in action is the all-important interaction and connection with young viewers. Hints of potential experiments or clues to independent study are absent. In addition, animation needs to be used to show how humans picked up ideas from insect warfare. Simply put, the video does not make the audience think.