While Disney dominates the children’s movie market, every now and then a flick comes close to matching their genius.
Talking animals have never been ‘my bag’, and the idea of a dog raising a human added extra confusion. Thus, upon receiving my invite to MR. PEABODY AND SHERMAN, I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting myself in to.
The flick follows the adventures of genius canine Mr Peabody and his adopted son Sherman as they use their time machine – the WABAC – to take outrageous (but highly educational) journeys through history. When Sherman’s mischievous friend Penny takes a disastrous joy ride, Peabody is challenged to fix the space-time continuum. Meanwhile, child protection services threaten to take Sherman away from his furry father. Long story short: Chaos ensues.
You may have heard the term ‘revenge of the nerds’. With the latest rash of Sci-Fi and comic book/graphic novel movies, it’s suggested nerds are claiming the entertainment industry as their own. MR. PEABODY AND SHERMAN may just offer further weight to this declaration: Even children aren’t safe!
But it’s a good thing.
MR. PEABODY AND SHERMAN is an intelligent little flick, with clever and comical historical references, snappy one-liners, and even some sneaky intertextuality.
It’s the kind of film you want your kids to watch. It doesn’t ‘dumb down’ the plot or the dialogue. It makes intelligence look pretty darn cool, highlighting the opportunities brainpower can afford. It also promotes good behaviour and positive parental relationships.
In addition to grooming perfect children(!), the flick is highly entertaining. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments for both adults and kiddies (one group of children near me were literally slapping their legs in hysterics).
The film also looks a million bucks (though with it’s $145million budget, it should!) The 3D in particular is pretty darn impressive, as is the awesome soundtrack – kudos to Danny Elfman.
There are even some nice nods to the old TV series from which Mr Peabody was born: THE ROCKY AND BULLWINKLE SHOW.
As with most kid flicks, it ends with predictable slop, but with some tongue in cheek jokes scattered throughout the final scenes, it doesn’t become too painful.
It’s no SHREK, but it’s a quality offering by DreamWorks. A cut above your usual kid flick, it’s an excellent choice for a cinematic family outing.
Intelligent, slick and funny; I rate MR PEABODY AND SHERMAN 7 stars.
Release date: March 27.
