Starring: Ty Burrell, Max Charles, Ariel Winter, Stephen Colbert, Leslie Mann, Allison Janney, Stanley Tucci, Lake Bell, Patrick Warburton, Mel Brooks, Stephen Toblowsky, Thomas Lennon
Directed By: Rob Minkoff
I don’t know why Dreamworks Animation is having such a really hard year. Mr Peabody and Sherman is a perfectly enjoyable animated film, with good jokes for adults and kids. Yet, somehow, it crippled Dreamworks after only making 111 million at the box office, and 272 worldwide. Is it the best they’ve made? No. This is definitely a 2nd tier movie, like Turbo (and honestly, the Madagascar franchise). It isn’t Shrek. It isn’t How To Train Your Dragon. But why should that matter? Not every film is born an instant classic, some films are just enjoyable time fillers.
An interesting adaptation of an old cartoon sees Mr Peabody as the adopted father of Sherman, which leaves him being ridiculed and called a dog. Sherman becomes the rival of a girl in his class, and after a fight, Mr Peabody tries to smooth things over by inviting the girl and her family over. Sherman ends up taking her in the time machine, which prompts a rescue mission from Mr Peabody, and a madcap adventure through time.
It’s got some good jokes, and moves at a good pace. There’s even a glimmer of the heart that makes How To Train Your Dragon so good. The relationship between Peabody and Sherman reminds the audience about all the families out there who have adopted children, and it doesn’t really matter that they’re adopted. They’d still do anything for their kids. It’s a good message, especially if you have adopted kids in your brood.
Catch this one on DVD. I assume you missed it in theatres like I did. It’s worth the watch.
FINAL GRADE: B+