Top 10 Things Only Adults Notice in Back to the Outback
#10: The Animals are Prisoners
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Most zoo visitors don’t think about what happens after that “open” sign flips to “closed.” You could argue that treating the animals of “Back to the Outback” like mere props is itself animal cruelty,That aside, the worst crimes happen after hours. The zoo becomes the creature-world equivalent of a high security prison, with the animals being its inmates. We see this when Maddie and her friends escape and must evade watchtower searchlights and scale tall walls. Before cage inspections, animal handlers force the small critters to turn their backs and lean disgracefully against the terrarium glass. The imagery resembles common depictions of prisoner life that kids are likely unfamiliar with.
#9: Friendly Turtle, “Finding Nemo” Reference?
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“Back to the Outback” tells the story of animal misfits on a harrowing journey through Sydney, Australia. Wait…not that one. This adventure shares more than a few similarities with Pixar’s “Finding Nemo,” including its setting and talking animal protagonists. One line in particular might possibly be nudging the fourth wall about these commonalities. After Maddie and company have just broken out of the zoo, they contemplate how they can continue their journey towards freedom. Might she be talking about the memorable EAC-surfing reptile from Disney’s blockbuster hit? We’re not sure, but we’d be crushed if anyone told us otherwise.
#8: “Unbreakable Glass”
The degree of anthropomorphism in “Back to the Outback” remains unclearly defined, and that’s part of the fun. Though the humans sometimes seem to understand the animals, the animals certainly understand the humans. The critters even show competent literacy regarding the English language. In one particular moment, they end up trapped in a terrarium that’s branded with the warning “unbreakable glass.” From inside, the disclaimer appears backwards, and that’s just how Frank the spider reads it. This clever deconstruction of language might be missed by those still learning their “ABCs.” The sight gag becomes even funnier when Nigel breaks the glass by auditory means, implying that he understood the reversed phonetics the entire time. He even peels away the sign’s “un” prefix before leaving.
#7: Phil Collins
Take a look at this now: the movie’s lovely soundtrack features appearances by Billie Eilish and Tim Minchin (aka Pretty Boy). However, the most nostalgic voice that you’ll hear is that of Phil Collins. The former Genesis drummer’s songs have appeared in multiple films during the 80s and beyond, and it turns out Pretty Boy is a fan of his metallic synth sound. Collins’ music pops up several times, such as part of a news montage that mourns the loss of PB. The koala also euphorically rejoices during the climactic car chase, when “Sussudio” comes on the radio. Eighties babies (and maybe Nineties kids too) will probably get a kick out of the throwback to new wave pop. Now, we just need that drum fill…
#6: Fame is Fleeting
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There’s a message in “Back to the Outback” for those of us who grew up practicing Oscar acceptance speeches in the mirror. Life in the limelight looks glamorous, and that perception makes the masses regard celebrities as royalty. Pretty Boy is the movie’s commentary on celebrity life and the entitlement that comes with it, as we see when he struts through Sydney with his head on high and therapist on speed dial. The adoration that PB is used to doesn’t last long, though. The zoo instantly replaces the missing koala with an adorable quoka named Giggles, and he melts down when he finds out. Parent viewers might think to remind their children that one’s opinion of oneself holds much more value than the rest of the world’s.
#5: Mad Max
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Good animated comedies borrow, while great ones steal. “Back to the Outback’s” climactic sequence pays homage to another Australian escapade; one young kiddos (probably) haven’t seen yet. Chazz makes his final pursuit of the escaped zoo creatures alongside a biker gang that has the tendency to kick up desert sand. This culminates in a showdown-on-wheels between Chazz’s bikers and a large fire truck operated by Maddie and Pretty Boy. The battle looks a bit like a certain George Miller flick that took us on a trip down Fury Road in 2015. If that’s not enough on-the-koala’s-nose, Pretty Boy even makes a more direct reference to the film. Imagine what a lovely day that would be…
#4: Chazz’s Toxicity
Toddlers on the couch may see Chazz as simply the bad guy. Look closely at his behavior, though, and you might decide he belongs on a different couch entirely. Chazz plays father figure to two of the movie’s characters, and he treats this role with dangerous irresponsibility. He raises Maddie as though she is loved, only to proclaim her a vicious monster before crowds. He also fabricates stories for his son, Chazzie, teaching that all scary-looking animals must be murderers. He even keeps a scary, snarling snake statue next to Chazzie’s bed. Imagine if this led to Chazzie becoming an ignorant animal killer… He may eventually change his ways, but Chazz’s early behavior is toxic enough to kill one hundred people in ten seconds.
#3: Maddie’s Childhood Abandonment Issues
Good children’s stories feature rich and complex characters like Maddie, who have more going on subtextually than meets her pretty doe eyes. She never knew any parent besides Chazz, on whom she imprinted after hatching. Maddie grows up desiring Chazz's approval, and she is devastated when he convinces her that she is ugly. When Pretty Boy leaves the group, Maddie is quickly dismissive of the koala and is ready to forget him. Her quick attachment to Pretty Boy, and her equally quick willingness to move on, is Psychology 101 abandonment behavior. She’s overly sensitive to criticism and fearful of loss. Despite the film’s happy ending, Maddie is likely going to be working out these issues long after the credits roll.
#2: Frank is Hot and Bothered
It’s mating season in the outback, and Frank the funnel spider is victim number-one. Though he’s not the only animal succumbing to the season of love, much of Frank’s screen time involves his…admiration for other arachnids. He doesn’t care if they’re plastic or even if they have some concerning proclivities. Frank also sporadically bursts into an uncontrollable, albeit kind of groovy, mating dance. Aaaaand then there’s his relationship with Sticky the stick…we’ll leave that to your imagination. It’s one of the movie’s best running gags, and one only for viewers savvy about the birds and the bees. Or…the spiders and the toads? Also, did you know mating season had such a strict schedule?
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Anna Wintour
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Platypus Wardrobe Problems
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“Bloomin’ Onions!”
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A Funnel Spider Named Desire
Frank Recreates an Iconic Marlon Brando’s Moment
#1: Remembering Steve Irwin
Where were you when you heard your first “crikey?” If you grew up with “Animal Planet,” then Chazz’s outfit and accent might remind you of Steve Irwin, the legendary Crocodile Hunter. It turns out that Chazz Hunt is actually Charlie from Tampa, whose persona was inspired by an Australian crocodile wrangler. Though not called by name, the man on TV bears a strong resemblance to Mr. Irwin, and it seems too uncanny to be coincidental. Steve Irwin tragically lost his life doing what he loved, and his posthumous cameo here is an honorable tribute. In a movie that’s about learning to love animals, this is a touching tribute for a man who dedicated his entire life to doing the same.
