We can be pretentious, cynical adults and pick apart "Tom & Jerry's" flaws all day long... but the fact is I work at a theater, and I've seen plenty of happy kids coming out of the movie. (And even a few happy adults.) So I decided to give it a whirl on HBO Max. And you know what? At the end of the day, I can tell you that when I was a kid, I'd have also loved this movie. And that's gotta count for something.
After bluffing her way into a job at a prestigious New York City hotel, a young woman named Kayla (Chloe Grace Moretz) learns that there's one tiny problem- a mouse named Jerry has recently moved in, and is causing havoc with a high-profile wedding that's scheduled in only a few days' time. And so, Kayla hatches a plan, and hires a cat named Tom to take care of the problem... and as expected, chaos ensues.
Directed by Tim Story, "Tom & Jerry" is at its best when our titular furry duo are able to let loose and spend their time fighting in increasingly hilarious situations. There are some genuinely inspired sequences and gags, and if you grew up watching the original cartoons, you'll definitely get a kick out of their antics. I also enjoyed the way the film combines CGI and live-action, with all animals in this world being animated. It's a cute idea. Where the film falls a little flat is the human storyline. While the actors are uniformly solid, especially the likeable Moretz, it just isn't that interesting and all feels very stock. And it does drag the movie down at times.
Still, as I've observed, the movie seems to be a hit with kids, and that's what's important. And I'm willing to bet there will be a decent number of adults who grew up with the original cartoons will find it mildly entertaining as well. I know it managed to get a few decent laughs out of me, and I'm not even all that nostalgic for the characters.
I'm giving "Tom & Jerry" a very watchable 7 out of 10. I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking for something to watch for a family movie night. The kids will love it and the adults will probably get a few decent laughs too.
After bluffing her way into a job at a prestigious New York City hotel, a young woman named Kayla (Chloe Grace Moretz) learns that there's one tiny problem- a mouse named Jerry has recently moved in, and is causing havoc with a high-profile wedding that's scheduled in only a few days' time. And so, Kayla hatches a plan, and hires a cat named Tom to take care of the problem... and as expected, chaos ensues.
Directed by Tim Story, "Tom & Jerry" is at its best when our titular furry duo are able to let loose and spend their time fighting in increasingly hilarious situations. There are some genuinely inspired sequences and gags, and if you grew up watching the original cartoons, you'll definitely get a kick out of their antics. I also enjoyed the way the film combines CGI and live-action, with all animals in this world being animated. It's a cute idea. Where the film falls a little flat is the human storyline. While the actors are uniformly solid, especially the likeable Moretz, it just isn't that interesting and all feels very stock. And it does drag the movie down at times.
Still, as I've observed, the movie seems to be a hit with kids, and that's what's important. And I'm willing to bet there will be a decent number of adults who grew up with the original cartoons will find it mildly entertaining as well. I know it managed to get a few decent laughs out of me, and I'm not even all that nostalgic for the characters.
I'm giving "Tom & Jerry" a very watchable 7 out of 10. I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking for something to watch for a family movie night. The kids will love it and the adults will probably get a few decent laughs too.