Kirby (2002 film)

Kirby (also titled Kirby: The Movie in other countries outside of North America) is a 2002 animated action-adventure film based on the franchise of the same name by HAL Laboratory. The film is directed by Masahiro Sakurai and produced by Shigeru Miyamoto, Sakurai, Neal H. Moritz and Ben Jameson based on a screenplay by Patrick Casey and Josh Miller and a story by Miyamoto, Sakurai, Casey, Miller, Chris Morgan, and Gary Scott Thompson. The film stars Debi Derryberry as the lead role, with Jack Black, Dwayne Johnson, Scarlett Johansson, Dan Castellaneta, and more.

The film follows Kirby, a pink, spherical creature who has the ability to inhale objects and copy their abilities. He sets out on a mission to stop King Dedede's plans before his home, Dream Land, is destroyed. An international co-production between the United States and Japan, the film is produced by 20th Century Fox Animation, Regency Enterprises, Nintendo Films, Nintendo Animation, Original Film and Team Blue Studios, with Rough Draft Studios and Sunwoo Entertainment providing animation services.

Premiering at the Kodak Theatre on January 1, 2002, Kirby was theatrically released on January 11, 2002 by 20th Century Fox. Upon release, the film polarized critics; some praised the animation, voice cast (particularly Derryberry, Black and Johnson), faithfulness to the source material and musical score by Hans Zimmer, though some criticized the thin plot, runtime and storyline. It was a box office success, grossing $448.2 million on a budget of $25-30 million.

Plot
The film opens with Kirby living peacefully in Dream Land until a group of evil villains led by the sinister King Dedede and his sidekick Escargoon arrive on the scene. They plan to take over Dream Land and use its resources for their own gain. As Kirby tries to defend his home, he realizes that the villains have acquired powerful weapons that make them nearly invincible. With no other options left, Kirby sets out on a journey to find and collect the powerful ancient artifacts known as the "Star Rods," which are said to grant the wielder immense power.

Accompanied by his friends Tiff and Tuff, Kirby embarks on a dangerous and thrilling adventure across Dream Land, facing countless obstacles and battles along the way. They encounter new allies, including a wise and powerful wizard named Magolor, who helps them in their quest. As Kirby and his friends collect more of the Star Rods, they discover that King Dedede and Escargoon are not the only villains in the game. A much more powerful foe has been pulling the strings behind the scenes, and Kirby will need all of his abilities and courage to defeat this ultimate enemy and save Dream Land.

As Kirby and his friends venture deeper into their journey to collect the Star Rods, they encounter a wide array of interesting and dangerous characters. They face off against giant monsters, navigate treacherous landscapes, and explore mystical locations. Along the way, Kirby acquires new powers and abilities by inhaling various creatures and objects, adding a layer of excitement and unpredictability to their journey.

As the group uncovers the ultimate villain's identity, they realize that he is planning to use the power of the Star Rods to not only conquer Dream Land but also other realms beyond their world. Kirby and his allies must not only stop him but also protect other worlds from his wrath. The ultimate showdown between Kirby and his allies and the villain takes place in an epic battle that tests the limits of their abilities. With the fate of multiple worlds hanging in the balance, Kirby and his friends must use their teamwork and strength to save the day.

As the dust settles and Dream Land returns to its peaceful state, Kirby and his friends realize that their journey has made them stronger and closer than ever before. The film ends with Kirby and his friends reflecting on their journey and looking towards their next adventure, ready to face whatever challenges may come their way. The film concludes with a thrilling battle sequence in which Kirby and his allies face off against the ultimate villain in an epic showdown. Through teamwork and determination, Kirby saves Dream Land from certain destruction and restores peace to the kingdom.

Cast
Main article: List of Kirby characters


 * Debi Derryberry as Kirby
 * Jack Black as King Dedede
 * Dwayne Johnson as Escargoon
 * Scarlett Johansson as Bandana Waddle Dee
 * Dan Castellaneta as Meta Knight
 * Kevin Michael Richardson as Magolor
 * Charlie Adler as Nightmare
 * Grey DeLisle as Waddle Dee
 * Daryl Sabara as Tiff
 * Dakota Fanning as Tuff
 * George Carlin as Sir Ebrum
 * Nika Futterman as Lady Like
 * Kari Wahlgren as Adeleine
 * Pamela Adlon as Dyna Blade
 * TBA as Gooey
 * Matt Stone as Biblio
 * Mark Wahlberg as Chief Bookem
 * E. G. Daily as Buttercup Bookem
 * Macaulay Culkin as Iro
 * Tara Strong as Honey
 * Freddie Highmore as Spikehead
 * Tom Kenny as Doron
 * Trey Parker as Gengu
 * Eric Stuart as Gus
 * Kath Soucie as Mabel
 * John DiMaggio as Mayor Len Blustergas
 * Wendee Lee as Hana Blustergas
 * Ed Asner as Melman
 * Betty White as Professor Curio
 * Chris Pratt as Samo
 * Bill Murray as Tokkori
 * TBA as Tuggle
 * Dee Bradley Baker as Yabui
 * Billy West as N.M.E. Sales Guy