The Powerpuff Girls Rule!!! (2008)

The Powerpuff Girls Rule!!! Poster

The Powerpuff Girls face their greatest challenge in this 10th anniversary special episode. There exists a Key to the World, which is handed from city to city on an annual basis. Whoever possesses the key rules over the entire world. When the key is delivered to Townsville, every villain in Townsville attempts to retrieve it. When the girls procure it for themselves, they quickly get sucked into a power struggle, fighting the villains and themselves over who gets to rule the world.

Film Overview
"The Powerpuff Girls Rule!!!" is a 2008 tv animated movie directed by Craig McCracken, the developer of the original "Powerpuff Girls" series. This movie marks the 10th anniversary of the animated series. It included the fan-loved trio of superpowered ladies, Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup, in addition to the remainder of the program's memorable cast of characters consisting of the Mayor of Townsville, the villainous Mojo Jojo, and the mysterious Key of the World.

Plot Summary
The plot of "The Powerpuff Girls Rule!!!" focuses on the sudden discovery of the legendary Key of the World. The mayor states that whoever has this secret will rule the world, triggering a massive struggle among the denizens of Townsville. This consists of villains like Mojo Jojo, Fuzzy Lumpkins, HIM, and Sedusa, who each picture ruling the world in their distinctive ways. The Powerpuff Girls, too, get involved in the pursuit - more to prevent the key from falling into the hands of villains than to rule the world themselves.

Main Themes
"The Powerpuff Girls Rule!!!" has fun with the styles of power, obligation, and the eternal contest between excellent and evil. Each character's interpretation of what ruling the world suggests offers insight into their character and motivations. However, underneath the thrilling chases after and fights for the secret is the story's ethical: absolute power can be dangerous and the desire for it typically leads characters to overlook their obligations.

Creative Aspects
In regards to animation style and visual presentation, this anniversary special maintains the distinct visual appeal of the initial series. While the animation is a little updated to provide a fresher visual, it still preserves the simple and meaningful styles of the characters.

Ending
In the end, it's the weak mayor who inadvertently ends up with the Key of the World. True to his character, rather of picking to rule, he uses the key to make the world a much safer, better location. He imagines a world where everyone has their desires satisfied without triggering damage to others. The film concludes with his sensible words: "' Anyone can rule. It's easy. The trick is to rule with a little thing called responsibility.'".

General Impact
"The Powerpuff Girls Rule!!!" retains the series' classic blend of humor, action, and special characters, while providing a resonant message about power and its corresponding duty. The story brings the distinctive charm of the initial series, skillfully put together within the 22-minute runtime of the film. All in all, the film commemorates whatever fans enjoyed about the series, while presenting a fresh story imbued with humor and heart. It acts as both a nostalgia journey for long time fans, and an accessible entry point for newcomers to the Powerpuff Girls world.

Top Cast

  • Cathy Cavadini (small)
    Cathy Cavadini
    Blossom (voice) (as Catherine Cavadini)
  • Tara Strong (small)
    Tara Strong
    Bubbles / Alarm System (voice)
  • Elizabeth Daily (small)
    Elizabeth Daily
    Buttercup (voice) (as E.G. Daily)
  • Tom Kenny (small)
    Tom Kenny
    Narrator / Mayor / Dove (voice)
  • Tom Kane (small)
    Tom Kane
    Professor / Him / Talking Dog (voice)
  • Jennifer Martin (small)
    Jennifer Martin
    Ms. Bellum (voice)
  • Kevin Michael Richardson (small)
    Kevin Michael Richardson
    Fish Balloon (voice)
  • Jeff Bennett (small)
    Jeff Bennett
    Ace / Prisoner / Concerned Citizen (voice)
  • Jim Cummings (small)
    Jim Cummings
    Fuzzy Lumpkins (voice)
  • Jennifer Hale (small)
    Jennifer Hale
    Princess (voice)