Our Favourite Talking Animals

We take a look at the best articulate animals of the big screen…

PUDSEY THE DOG: THE MOVIE is released in Irish cinemas this week, and stars Pudsey the dog – winner of Britain’s Got Talent in 2012. Not only does Pudsey dance and save the day in the movie, but he also talks, thanks to the vocal talents of David Walliams. We decided to take a look back at some of the best talking animals in the movies…

Steve – CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS

Steve, voiced by Neil Patrick Harris, is just one of the many brilliant things about 2009’s CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS. Steve is Flint’s pet monkey and, thanks to one of Flint’s many inventions, Steve’s thought are vocalised through the modified tennis headband he wears. Unlike some talking animals, Steve’s thoughts aren’t always the most insightful – he mostly just reminds us of his name or proclaims his hunger – but they are almost always funny and incredibly well timed.

Roger Rabbit – WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT?

A hopeless romantic in the body of a bunny, Roger Rabbit is a Toon living in a man’s world. Framed for murder, Roger teams up with the Toon-hating Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins) to try and clear his name, and of course hilarity ensues from the antics of this odd couple. Roger is tightly wound and slightly manic – especially when he drinks alcohol – but beneath the wacky exterior beats a heart of pure goodness and kindness, a heart that Roger has given to his beautiful wife, Jessica.

Cowardly Lion – THE WIZARD OF OZ

Played by vaudeville star Bert Lahr in the 1939 movie, the Cowardly Lion is in need of courage, and joins Dorothy on her journey to find the wizard of Oz. Although he believes himself to be a coward, the Lion actually does show signs of bravery, and is awarded the Medal of Courage when the gang finally do meet the Wizard. The Cowardly Lion believes that his insecurities make him inferior to his fearsome kin, but his love for Dorothy helps him to overcome his fears. He’s a big softy really!

Kermit the Frog – THE MUPPETS

Kermit is the frog who keeps the rowdy, messy and zany Muppets together, and on the right track. Throughout the various movie and TV incarnations of the character, he has always been portrayed as loyal and caring, but more than a little afraid of commitment; he always comes back to Miss Piggy though, and she always forgives his silly froggy ways. Kermit is the leader of the Muppets, MC of their show and plays a mean banjo. What’s not to love?

Dug – UP

Dug is a golden retriever who lives in Paradise Falls, and wears a special collar that allows him to speak. He encounters Carl and Russell when they arrive in their flying house, and immediately decides that he loves them, and wants to join them on their journey. Dug is a sweet and caring creature and is as playful and fiercely loyal as we all know dogs to be. As well as this he is incredibly funny and has a deep distrust of squirrells.