The Beanie Bubble

On Apple TV+

Written and directed by Kristin Gore with Damian Kulash is this screen adaptation of Zac Bissonnette’s book about Ty Warner.

The story is told in two parts early 80’s with the company’s formation and success, and early 90’s when Beanie Babies take the world by storm. Zac Galifianakis plays Warner, who, after the death of his father, meets Robbie (Elizabeth Banks) and together they take the toy market by storm with their poseable, colourful toys. In the early 90’s we meet Maya (Geraldine Viswanathan) a college student who introduces Ty to the internet and revolutionises the business. Finally we meet Sheila (Sarah Shook) who becomes his long time partner and it’s her children who inspire the creation of Beanie Babies. The film follows Ty’s realtionship with the three women and the rise and crash of the Beanie Baby phenomenon.

I’m a fan of these based on true story films and the story of Ty and Beanie Babies was new to me. While it’s a pretty nuts and bolts telling, the story itself is interesting enough and seems relatively close to the reality. Although It does drag a little towards the end of it 110 minutes running time.

Galifianakis, is well cast at Warner, reprising the kind of role he has done before. A bright, talented eccentric, but one with a dark side, a control freak, who refuses to recognise the value of others and a childish self centered streak. Elizabeth Banks is as dependable and watchable as ever. Geraldine Viswanathan and Sarah Snook are equally strong and it’s the story of Maya that was most interesting to me.

The film looks great with a fabulous use of colour for each of the film leads with bright blues, yellows and reds matching those of Ty’s colorful toys.

The story telling is occasionally confused. The intertwining of the timelines doesn’t always work and it runs out of steam in the final act.

The Beanie Bubble tells a fascinating story. Its well drawn main characters keep you interested and it looks great. Its two timelines don’t always gel and it does lose steam towards the end. But still an interesting story to enjoy.