23) Flik
A Bug's Life (1998)
Voice: Dave Foley
The word "hero" conjures up the image of a brave and valiant warrior, one with physical strength to conquer evil and the courage to do it without batting an eye. Flik, the slim protagonist of Pixar's second film, does not meet this image. He's extremely clumsy and a bit of a geek. Though he means well with his innovative seed-picking invention, it is this creation which causes the central conflict between the ants and the grasshoppers. The ruling powers agree that his plan to find tough warrior bugs in the city is as good as any punishment they can devise. From his error comes a chance to be heroic, though no one actually expects him to return with insects that will defend Ant Island from Hopper and his thugs. It is a credit to Pixar's writing that a complete klutz could be a protagonist you can get behind and cheer for. The studio's tendency to avoid hiring A-list actors to attract audiences led to the inspired casting of Dave Foley, who for five seasons played a similarly unexpected 'hero' amidst the chaos of WNYX in the brilliant workplace sitcom "NewsRadio."
• "Love makes you crazy, but surprisingly, it can make you a hero! Sure, Flik messed up big time in the beginning and did even worse when choosing performing bugs to 'fight' off the grasshoppers, but the end result? Why, it was a miracle! He won Princess Atta's love, acceptance by all other ants, became highly admired by Dot, and even invented a tool to help the ants gather food! A job well done for the 'mess-up'-turned-HERO!" - RJKD23