Movie review: Mr Peabody and Sherman

Mr Peabody possesses the most developed intellect currently on the planet and endeavours to pass on his prodigious learning by taking Sherman back in time with him, using a time machine called the WABAC (pronounced “way back”).

The inter-species relationship is the basis of some of the conflict in the unexpectedly endearing tale that results from this unlikely scenario – Sherman is bullied at school because of his family background and responds inappropriately, putting himself, Mr Peabody and his schoolmate Penny (Winter) at risk.

The protagonists here first appeared in the Fifties and Sixties in a spin-off from the Rocky And His Friends and The Bullwinkle Show. For a South African audience then, they may as well be entirely new creations, and the filmmakers have ensured that this project is able to stand on its own, with there being no noticeable references to the original series in this film.

The characters are likeable and engaging, and the ability – thanks to the time-travel aspect – to drag the action from ancient Egypt to Renaissance Florence and French Revolution-era Paris means that the animators are like kids set loose in a well-stocked sweet shop. Unlike children on a sugar high, though, they’re focused and attentive, and the beautiful attention to detail in the visuals complements a witty script that offers plenty to mature audiences.

As in many animated films there are a good number of memorable cameos. Stephen Colbert fans will recognise the satirist’s tones in the voice of Penny’s father Paul Peterson, and Allison Janney gives scary Social Services lady Ms Grunion a dark, Roald Dahl edge. There are also turns by Stanley Tucci (as Leonardo da Vinci) and Mel Brooks (as Albert Einstein), but arguably the daft highlight of the whole piece is Patrick Warburton’s Agamemnon – played as a goofy jock – shouting “Smell my victory!” at a cowering Persian during the battle for Troy.

Mr Peabody & Sherman celebrates both an enthusiasm for learning and the value of strong family relationships in a way that challenges any perception that such subjects are for geeks and sissies.

For that alone it should be applauded, but it’s also funny, insightful and well made.