The Amazing Maurice

Typically February is not the time we see most animated films released since they are usually reserved for the summer or end of year seasons, but as far as a marketing strategy, releasing "The Amazing Maurice" was pure genius. People love animated films whether it be in summer or now. In this film, suffice it to say, you get a whole lot more than you bargained for. 

Maurice (Hugh Laurie) is a streetwise ginger cat who comes up with a money making scam by befriending a group of talking rats, along with Keith (Himesh Patel) a simple but talented musician with a pied pipe. When Maurice and the rodents, headed up by Boss Man (David Thewlis), reach the stricken town of Bad Blintz, they meet a bookworm named Malicia Grimm (Emilia Clarke) and their little con subsequently goes down the drain. 

Others to round out the cast are Gemma Arterton as Peaches, Hugh Bonneville as the mayor, David Tennant as Dangerous Beans, Joe Sugg as Sardines, Ariyon Bakare as Darktan, Julie Atherton as Nourishing and Rob Brydon as the Pied Piper. This was brilliantly directed by Toby Genkel ("Dieter" (TV movie) '06, "Two Times Lotte" '07, "Thor: Legend of the Magical Hammer" (co-directed) '11, "All Creatures Big and Small" '15, "Little Bird's Big Adventure" '17, "Yakari, A Spectacular Journey" '20, "Two by Two: Overboard!" '20, "The Ogglies" '21) plus others, and co-directed by Florian Westermann. This film was incredibly well paced and staged and definitely had that fairy tale whimsical approach which made it even more captivating. This filmmaker is a consummate pro--just look at his resume which speaks for itself. It was equally well written with amazing cohesiveness and clarity by Terry Rossio ("Little Monsters" '89, "Aladdin" '92, "Small Soldiers" '98, "Shrek" '01, "Shrek 2" '04, "Deja Vu" '06, "The Lone Ranger" '13, "Godzilla vs. Kong" (story) '21) plus TV, shorts and videos. The way the script was handled practically as a parody on fairy tales was an amazing perspective. To say that this script is solely about a scam would be deceptive. It definitely goes well beyond that aspect. I just felt that going into the story more than I wrote here would divulge too much of the story. The cast was incredible, especially that of Hugh Laurie as Maurice--he simply owned that character. This could possibly be in the running come Oscar time for next year. 

If you like not only animated, but those films that have an English origin, this is the film for you. It's humorous, adventurous, with heart all the while entertaining the audience. It's a great family film for all to sit back, and escape into. Really, grab the popcorn and enjoy this gem !

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                        Rated: PG                                             94mins.