Abominable

As we start approaching the 'end of the year' film season, as with other genres, there are a few animated flicks to tickle our fancy. "Frozen II" and "Onward" are on the cusp, so now we have "Abominable" to kick it off. Surely, a film that is family oriented with a good message is something we all could always use.

 

When teenage Yi (Chloe Bennet) encounters a young Yeti on the roof of her apartment building in Shanghai, she and her mischievous friends, Jin (Tenzing Norgay Trainor) and Peng (Albert Tsai), name him "Everest" (Joseph Izzo) and embark on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family at the highest point on Earth, Mt. Everest. But the trio of friends will have to stay one-step ahead of Burnish (Eddie Izzard), a wealthy man intent on capturing a Yeti, and zoologist Dr. Zara (Sarah Paulson) to help Everest get home.

 

 

Others to round out the cast are Tsai Chin as Nai Nai, Yi's grandmother, Michelle Wong as Yi's mother, Rich B. Dietl as Goon Leader and James Hong as Yak Leader.

 

When I saw the trailer of this, I was not wooed by it, which is ironic, considering the trailer is supposed to sell the film. It was an amazing surprise. It was wonderfully directed by virtual newcomer to the director's chair, Jill Culton ("Open Season" '06) plus a video, and co-directed by Todd Wilderman (video and a short). She certainly has a bit of animation work under her belt, but she definitely proves her ability helming a film. The emotions emitted from the Yeti is both charming and heartwarming. She will continue receiving work. Even though Wilderman had the smaller slice of the experience pie, he clearly had pivotal input. It was also cleverly written by Culton ("Monsters Inc." (original story) '01, "Open Season"  (screen story) '06) plus a video. This not only was a well thought out storyline, but was concise, cohesive all the while being entertaining. And in this day and age, it's truly difficult to get these ingredients in a film and have it work, and this definitely worked in spades. Other than a couple of very small places of choppiness--and I mean small, this script was one that kept the audience's attention and then some. And the animation from both DreamWorks and Pearl Studios were amazing.

 

This film is definitely for kids and their families, but I truly believe anyone could and would enjoy this, especially the message it carries. Come alone or bring your family, grab the popcorn and simply escape into this one.

 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                         Rated: PG                                       97mins.