MOVIE REVIEW: Mr Peabody and Sherman
Randburg reader Terry Neat reviews new animated adventure film, Mr. Peabody and Sherman, on behalf of the Randburg Sun and Ster-Kinekor Northgate.
GENRE: 3D animation adventure
RUNNING TIME: 1 hour 32 minutes
STARRING: Ty Burrell (Modern Family), Max Charles (The Amazing Spider-Man), Ariel Winter (Modern Family), Stephen Colbert (Monsters vs. Aliens), Karan Brar (Diary of a Wimpy Kid)
DIRECTED BY: Rob Minkoff (The Lion King, Stuart Little)
RATING: 6/10
Currently screening at Ster-Kinekor Northgate.
PLOT: If a boy can adopt a dog, then why can a dog not adopt a boy? Especially if that dog is Mr. Peabody (Ty Burrel), a genius dog with impeccable manners, who adopts a cute little boy named Sherman (Max Charles). Considering his above average intelligence and all he has accomplished in life, Mr. Peabody sees no reason why he cannot overcome the obstacles of fatherhood. With the adoption signed and sealed, Peabody walks away one son richer. Mr. Peabody takes Sherman on exciting adventures through history in his advanced time machine and together they explore the diverse cultures of worlds before and beyond their own, absorbing all the history and science that built nations and heroes and amazing inventions. Just as Sherman is evolving into a mini-me of the proud Mr. Peabody, a young lady, Penny, starts bullying Sherman at school. In an attempt to bring about peace between the two classmates, Mr. Peabody comes up with a plan.
THE GOOD: The cast of the film develops into their animated characters and their emotions are heartfelt. The witty humour will have you laughing from beginning to end. The action is fast-paced and watching it in 3D really brings the scenes to life.
THE BAD: At times, the storyline seems a bit scattered, but it does all come together in the end. It introduces an element of bullying and that it can be overcome by winning someone over with heroic acts. This is not really the message that children should be taught.
VERDICT: For great family entertainment, you cannot fault Mr. Peabody and Sherman. Children and adults alike will love the striking animation and funny comments. The thought of being able to travel through time is a most thrilling one for most of us, especially if you are seeing it through the eyes of a mischievous seven year old boy. The incredible relationship between a father and son, as well as the human-animal bond, comes through strongly in this film.
Thanks to Ster-Kinekor Northgate for making the review possible.
