Invader Zim: Enter the Florpus Movie Review (Sort Of)

(AKA Memories of Middle School Angst and Teenage Rebellion

OR

Cynicism in Post 9/11 Pop-Culture and the Millennium Generation)

            Ah, Invader Zim. At times black comedy, sci-fi horror, and satire, gritty animated into what was a kids’ show. The story of an egotist and megalomaniac alien from an imperialistic race of invaders “sent” to concur Earth and turn all humans into slaves, equipped with a broken but lovable robot and limited resources, only to be foiled many times by his own schemes or his archenemy Dib, was perhaps the most bonkers cartoon on television since South Park challenge the status quo. It was brought down by low rating and mismatched demographic but nonetheless found support with critics and fans, becoming a cult classic that survived through Hot Topic merchandise and reruns, generating a comic book series and eventually a Netflix Movie, Enter the Florpus.

            The show had a lot of uphill battles from the start that may have likely contributed to its downfall (and cult status). Nickelodeon, the company behind the series, was looking for something to attract the 11-15 year old demographic that was more edgy than its current lineup. The studio was drawn to the style of Jhonen Vasquez and his comic “Johnny the Homicidal Maniac” and asked him to pitch an idea for a cartoon. And thus Invader Zim was born. Vasquez, as well as the animation team, often clashed with what was and wasn’t acceptable; killing characters off permanently was a “no-no” but stealing kids organs was. The show often pushed the boundary of what could be acceptable as a “child’s cartoon program” as eyes got ripped out off-screen, Dib’s sister Gaz threaten to beat up her brother on a daily basis, and Zim talked about enslaving us all at least once an episode (even now I find the Y7-FV rating skeptical). The production team was also under a tight budget, which contributed to animation errors, but managed to pull off what was then a relatively new concept of 2D and 3D animation blended together. Add in a demonic teacher (she’s definitely a witch), an absentminded father, a bleak world that would’ve been part of the Matrix, and unfortunately no other shows on the network that could complement the darker tone, Invader Zim was “DOOMED” from the start. It premiered alongside the Fairy Oddparents in early 2001. I remember that premiere all these years later: I was only 10 and I knew we were in for something strange and unusual.

            While the show became a success with critics and those who quickly became fans, the ratings became to drop and the series was canceled before completing its second season. While blame can be pointed to those ratings (and an alleged ‘bloody GIR’), the show simply did not match up with the target demographic of 6-10 year olds, nor did it fit even remotely with the network’s flagship show Spongebob Squarepants (although earlier episodes of THAT series are questionable today). Not helping was the 9/11 attack months after the show’s premiere, which saw several aspects of media and society taking conservative approaches to violence and distressing imagery. The series’ roles of the protagonist and antagonist were reversed, a concept that wouldn’t gain main stream attention until shows like Breaking Bad came along. Indeed, Invader Zim was a show made ahead of its time: it has “meme-able” moments, it was satirical, and would have served better as the type of show found on Adult Swim* in today’s political schism (not to mention the whole “invade Area 51” joke). Shows like Adventure Time and Steven Universe, even (a bit of a stretch here) Stranger Things would not be around today were it not for Zim and his crew. But for me it was the perfect show for my Catholic School rebellion to fresh to public middle school days, and for my friends it was part of what would spark the counterculture against the political and governmental oversight brought on by Post-9/11. Finally, after making what had to be tons of money in merchandise (I have at least four t-shirts, a GIR purse, and a sweater), a comic book series, reruns, and other numerous attempts both by Nickelodeon, Vasquez, and fans, we finally got a movie that does everything but actually wrap the series up.

*Allegedly, and I heavily stress allegedly, since this was back when I was in high school (so 10 plus years ago) and I’ve never been able to independently confirm it, Adult Swim’s production team wanted to buy the broadcast rights to Invader Zim. Nickelodeon declined, likely to keep the show’s broadcast rights in house.

            Enter the Florpus acknowledges that it’s been a very, very, very long time since Invader Zim last graced television screens. Zim has disappeared and in his absence, Dib has become a recluse in his room, and it’s been so long that Gaz has dyed her hair and gotten a new look and Professor Membrane, Dib and Gaz’s genius father, has even grown hair. (The movie doesn’t explicitly say how long it’s been in story; Gaz mentions it’s been months since Zim was last seen but I’ve heard talk of it being two years) Zim suddenly reappears to taunt Dib, who is now more or less a chair. The Invader is ready to spring Phase Two of his master plan, and he’s spent this entire time in a toilet scheming it up. Zim contacts his superiors, the Tallest, who have all but forgotten Zim, and are not pleased to find he is still alive. Zim is further disappointed when he discovers the Irken Armada from which he hails will not be coming to Earth anytime soon and falls into a spiral of depression (he of course thinks it’s his fault for not remembering Phase Two but it’s simply because well, the Irkens want nothing to do with him). Dib manages to recuperate, trench coat and all, but he still clashes with his father over his obsession with the paranormal and the “make-believe”. The two adversaries reluctantly team up and (for the sake of no spoilers) help each other get what they want. The conclusion is somewhat satisfying but leaves room for more space invasion shenanigans.

            The animation still maintains it’s dark and sometimes disturbing imagery but is much clearer and seamless. The world also seems a bit brighter this time around and while some sequences are filled with peril it doesn’t seem to push the boundary as much as its TV show did. Not that it really needed it for the story and humor but some fans seem disappointed by this. Gaz and Prof. Membrane get more to do this time around which is a welcomed change. Gaz is more helpful and supportive of her brother while maintaining her bad-ass edge (a girl has to get stuff done when the fate of the world is at stake). Professor Membrane has more centralized role to the plot and it pays off well (considering I never liked him in the series means a lot and fans seem to enjoy it as well). There is of course a GIR moment which produced a song that would not stop in my head for four days and may ended up becoming a rock-opera-rap song with full lyrics if it had continued (it may still happen; I don’t know). Fans will also have fun with the anime/FLCL inspired opening.

            Overall Enter the Florpus was an enjoyable addition to the Invader Zim series. It may not have everything the fans wanted but it’s enough to keep them from drooling. Fingers crossed the next project Nickelodeon tackles from their library is My Life as a Teenage Robot or Rocket Power.

            On a side note, here are two things I have concluded from the series after all these years: one) Dib is a clone of Professor Membrane and two) Zim and Dib are in love with each other but they’re just too wrapped up in their rivalry to acknowledge it (and yes #zadr is a thing and the fan art is great).

            ALL HAIL THE MIGHTY ZIM!