Ray Gunn Review: Brad Bird Delivers an Old-School Animated Sci-Fi Noir Caper
The Guardian has published a review of Ray Gunn, an animated sci-fi noir film directed by Brad Bird. The movie features voice acting from Sam Rockwell as an ex-cop turned private detective and Scarlett Johansson as a singing superstar, set within a retro-futurist urban landscape.

Key points
- Brad Bird directed the animated film-noir sci-fi caper Ray Gunn.
- Sam Rockwell voices the lead private detective, Raymond Gunn, while Scarlett Johansson voices singing superstar Venus Nova.
- The film blends retro-futuristic cityscapes with classic private-detective noir tropes, featuring voice work from Tom Waits, Bobby Cannavale, Alan Tudyk, and Matt Berry.
What happened
The Guardian published a review of the animated sci-fi noir film Ray Gunn, directed by Brad Bird. Described as a fantasy spectacular with old-fashioned entertainment values, the movie combines traditional film-noir elements with retro-futuristic world-building.
Reaction
The review describes the film as smart, witty, and humane, praising its cityscape design, romance, and rejection of formulaic animation styles. Particular note is given to inventive set pieces, including a zero-gravity club interlude.
Background
Sam Rockwell stars as Raymond Gunn, an ex-cop turned private detective, alongside Scarlett Johansson as the singing superstar Venus Nova. The voice cast also features Tom Waits as an alien named Eyera, Bobby Cannavale as Venus's husband Arnold, Alan Tudyk as manager Barry, and Matt Berry as mob boss Slugsy.
Why it matters
The release of Ray Gunn marks a notable new animated project from director Brad Bird, offering insight into the creative direction and reception of his latest feature film.
What we know
- Brad Bird directed the animated film Ray Gunn, according to The Guardian's review.
- Sam Rockwell and Scarlett Johansson provide voice acting roles in the film.
What remains unclear
- Critical consensus beyond the single reviewed publication remains unestablished.
How the story developed
Ray Gunn review published
The Guardian published a review for Brad Bird's animated film-noir sci-fi caper Ray Gunn.
Original source


