The ChubbChubbs!
The ChubbChubbs! is a 2002 American computer-animated short film produced by Sony Pictures Imageworks as its first all-CG project.[1] Directed by Eric Armstrong and written by Jeff Wolverton, the five-minute film centers on Meeper, a clumsy alien janitor at the intergalactic Ale-E-Inn bar on Planet Glorf, who dreams of performing as a singer but must warn rowdy patrons—including tough ZyZaks and a diva performer—about an impending invasion by the ravenous, blob-like ChubbChubbs creatures that devour everything in their path.[2] The story unfolds with humor, sci-fi parodies, and a musical performance, culminating in a chaotic twist that highlights the creatures' destructive yet comically insatiable nature.[3] Originally conceived as a production pipeline test to showcase Imageworks' capabilities in character animation, lighting, and rendering, the short premiered in over 2,500 theaters in July 2002 and was included as a special feature on the DVD release of Men in Black II.[1] Produced by Jacquie Barnbrook, it features voice talents including Brad Simonsen as Meeper and incorporates energetic original songs to enhance its lively, intergalactic nightclub atmosphere.[2] The film received widespread acclaim for its vibrant visuals, inventive storytelling, and seamless CGI, earning multiple festival awards such as Best Animated Short at the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival and Best Short Film at the London Effects and Animation Festival.[1] Its pinnacle achievement came at the 75th Academy Awards in 2003, where it won the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film, beating nominees like The Cathedral and Mike's New Car.[4] The success inspired a 2007 holiday sequel, The ChubbChubbs Save Xmas, extending the franchise's whimsical alien world.[5]Overview
Synopsis
The ChubbChubbs! is set in the Ale-E-Inn, a bustling extraterrestrial bar on the remote planet Glorf, frequented by a diverse array of alien patrons enjoying intergalactic nightlife.[6] The establishment serves as a lively hub where species from across the cosmos gather for entertainment, including karaoke performances that draw rowdy crowds.[7] At the center of the story is Meeper, a timid and unassuming alien janitor who quietly maintains the bar's cleanliness while harboring a deep passion for singing.[6] Despite his lowly position, Meeper dreams of taking the stage and captivating the audience with his voice, often practicing in secret away from the judgmental eyes of the inn's eclectic staff and visitors.[7] His routine is upended when an accident electrocutes the current singer during a high-energy rendition, thrusting Meeper into the spotlight as he reluctantly steps up to perform.[6] However, the patrons' lack of enthusiasm quickly dampens his moment, leaving him on the verge of defeat. The plot escalates when a panicked visitor warns of the impending arrival of the ChubbChubbs, but Meeper's attempts to alert the rowdy crowd are ignored amid the bar's chaos.[6] Outside, Meeper encounters a group of adorable, blob-like chicks and protects them from what he believes to be the threat. As hulking Zyzaks—aggressive, weapon-bearing monsters—burst into the Ale-E-Inn intent on destruction, the chicks reveal themselves as the true ChubbChubbs, opening mouths filled with razor-sharp teeth to ravenously devour the invaders in a comedic frenzy.[7] This chaotic turn allows Meeper to finally shine, joining the ChubbChubbs in a musical performance that wins over the remaining patrons against the vibrant, otherworldly backdrop of Glorf's space bar culture.[6]Voice Cast
The voice cast of The ChubbChubbs! consists of a small ensemble of performers who provided the vocal characterizations for the film's alien inhabitants and supporting creatures, contributing to its comedic and musical tone.[3] The lead role of Meeper, the aspiring singer and janitor, is voiced by Bradford Simonsen, whose performance anchors the short's narrative.[8] Jeff Wolverton voices the ChubbChubbs, the titular monstrous entities, in addition to serving as co-writer of the film.[9] Mortonette Jenkins provides the voice for the Singing Diva, a key figure in the story's musical performance sequence.[10] Other notable roles include Peter Lurie as the Zyzaks, aggressive alien patrons; Rick Zieff as the Bouncer; and a group of voices for the Glorf characters, including Dustin Adair, director Eric Armstrong, and Yakov Baytler. The ensemble's contributions were highlighted in contemporary reviews for their effective delivery in supporting the short's humor and energy.[11]| Actor | Role(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bradford Simonsen | Meeper (voice) | Protagonist |
| Jeff Wolverton | ChubbChubbs (voice) | Also co-writer |
| Mortonette Jenkins | Singing Diva (voice) | Musical performance role |
| Peter Lurie | Zyzaks (voice) | Alien patrons |
| Rick Zieff | Bouncer (voice) | Supporting character |
| Dustin Adair | Glorf (voice) | Minor alien role |
| Eric Armstrong | Glorf (voice) | Director; minor role |
| Yakov Baytler | Glorf (voice) | Minor alien role |