Smallfoot

I’ve become something of a reluctant animated film aficionado lately, although it’s mostly watching the same four or five films over and over. And yes, before you pass judgment, I have a four-year-old at home. Before the mid-90’s, computer generated images were a thing of science fiction, but as technological advancements in visual effects make leaps and bounds seemingly each and every year, film studios are seeing the enormous box office potential and are churning out films to capitalize on the market.

Pixar has dominated the animated field since “Toy Story” hit the screens with innovative CGI back in 1995, but now we have Pixar, Disney, Illumination, and Warner Bros. as the four pillars and purveyors of the animated community. Traditional Disney fairy tales are a thing of the past (in animated form) as new, original content is filling the multiplexes more frequently all the time.

“Smallfoot” takes the traditional Sasquatch story (familiar and dear to those in the Cascade region), and flips it on its head. Channing Tatum leads a B-list cast of voices as Migo, the curious and endearing creature who stumbles upon humans, but is frustrated when none of his beastly tribemates will believe his story. You see, the Yeti in the stratosphere of the Himalayas put their blind faith in “the stones,” or a collection of tablets that guide their daily lives. Things like the floating mountain they live upon in the sky that was defecated by a giant yak. Or that Migo’s father (cast perfectly as Danny DeVito) must launch himself across the sky every morning to bang his head against the town gong to awake the giant yellow snail in the sky. Things like that.
Anyhow, Migo embarks on a quest to prove to his people that humans do exist, and everything they thought they knew and believed in was a lie. Along his descent down the mountain, he meets Percy (James Corden), a Steve Irwin type who needs to revive his television career by finding a Yeti. Through adversity, they forge a friendship and learn that valuable kid’s movie lesson in the end.

“Smallfoot” has several deeper and more complex themes than you would expect, but the attempt is a bit misguided. I was caught up in the religious overtones, and the implications of conflict based on ignorance and misunderstanding. Obviously, these themes will probably be lost on the kids, but it dampened my own enjoyment a bit. Fortunately, it takes an optimistic turn near the end, so I was left with a smile on my face instead of thinking about how this is a metaphor for the unending Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

The creatures vary in shape and size, but none truly stand out as interesting or funny. Even the lead (Tatum) is a weak imitation of a character we’ve undoubtedly seen before; he channels his inner-Wreck-it-Ralph with a pretty commendable John C. Reilly voice. LeBron James brings his voice into the mix, as does Common, Zendaya, and Gina Rodriguez, but none are given a character that really adds memorable value to the film.

Written and directed by Karey Kirkpatrick (“Over the Hedge,” “Chicken Run”), it’s an interesting idea packed with fun that kids will undoubtedly enjoy. The humor is cute and some of the dialogue and interactions bring a smile to your face, but there isn’t much for adults.

I even tried to get into the music, and was impressed by Common’s rap about the mystical stones, but there was certainly no “Let it Go” on this soundtrack. All in all, the film was cute and fun, but obviously is a kid’s movie. My estimation is that your children will love the physical comedy and the scenery, but you will be underwhelmed as you sit beside them. Grab some popcorn and just give your kids a thrill. 6/10.