A Family’s Fight to Keep Their Culture Alive

Read Time:5 Minute, 7 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
A Sloth Story
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Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family
Year Released: 2024, 2025
Runtime: 1h 24m
Director(s): Tania Vincent, Ricard Cussó
Writer(s): Ryan Greaves, Erica Harrison, Tania Vincent
Cast: Leslie Jones, Teo Vergara, Remy Hill, Olivia Vásquez, Ben Gorroño, Dan Brumm, Facundo Hache Herrera, Matteo Romaniuk,Thalia Colettis, Andrew Cook
Where To Watch: in select theaters in the US on February 28, 2025, and March 7 in Canada

RAVING REVIEW: Animated films work best when they strike the right balance between humor, heart, and storytelling, and this latest entry in an ongoing franchise attempts to do just that. It’s a story about family, tradition, and the battle between genuineness and mass production, all wrapped in an animated world filled with anthropomorphic characters. With a mix of adventure and satire, the film takes audiences on a journey where slow and steady may not just win the race—it may redefine the finish line.

Laura Romero Flores (Teo Vergara) isn’t like most sloths. While her species is known for its slow, relaxed lifestyle, she has bigger aspirations. She dreams of excitement, city lights, and a pace of life that doesn’t crawl forward. Her parents, Gabriella (Olivia Vásquez) and Luis (Benjamin Gorroño), have different philosophies. They run a restaurant built on patience, tradition, and recipes passed down for generations. Their small, carefully crafted world is turned upside down when a natural disaster wipes out their home and forces them to start over in a new city. Suddenly, a slow life isn’t an option.

With little more than their old food truck and family recipes, the Romeros bring their passion for authentic cuisine to a fast-moving world that barely has time to chew, let alone appreciate a well-prepared meal. But their arrival disrupts the city’s usual order, catching the attention of the ever-ambitious Dotti Pace (Leslie Jones.) The high-energy business mogul sees their slow-cooked approach as a threat to her empire, which thrives on efficiency and addictive fast food. What begins as a small business venture quickly becomes a battle of values—quality versus quantity, patience versus profit, and family versus corporate greed.

Much of the film’s success comes from the dynamic between Laura and her family. Laura's desire to embrace a different lifestyle creates a push-and-pull with her mother, who sees their traditions as something to be preserved, not abandoned. Vásquez brings warmth to Gabriella, while Gorroño’s Luis serves as the steady, reassuring presence in the family. The emotional weight of their struggle is well-balanced with humor and lighter moments, making their journey relatable and entertaining.

On the other side of the conflict, Jones delivers a standout performance as Dotti Pace, an over-the-top yet undeniably entertaining antagonist. While her character’s motivations aren’t particularly deep, her extravagant schemes and shameless pursuit of profit provide some of the film’s most memorable moments. The character embodies corporate greed to the extreme, which works within the film’s stylized world. The city is a vibrant, well-realized setting populated (at times) with an eclectic mix of characters who help bring the world to life. The film’s commitment to its distinct visual style makes it memorable.

The film excels in its core message—the importance of tradition, patience, and appreciating the things that take time. In a world obsessed with speed, convenience, and instant gratification, it makes a strong case for slowing down and valuing authenticity. The idea that food isn’t just sustenance but an essential part of culture and identity gives the film a deeper emotional layer than expected.

From Laura’s journey of self-discovery to the inevitable showdown with Dotti Pace, there aren’t many surprises along the way. Some subplots feel slightly underdeveloped. Laura’s relationships with her new friends in the city and her brief flirtation with cricket are introduced but never fully explored. Expanding on these moments could have added more layers to Laura’s growth as a character.

The film offers a well-paced mix of humor, heart, and visuals that makes it easy to engage with, even if it doesn’t push the boundaries of animated storytelling. The voice cast brings energy and charm to their roles, and the world-building is strong enough to make the setting feel fresh and immersive. While its message is a little on the nose, it’s still valuable, especially for younger audiences.

It provides a heartfelt exploration of culture, tradition, and the value of taking time in a world that constantly demands more speed. Its blend of humor, emotion, and an engaging world offers a solid experience for its target audience. Although it may not stand out as a groundbreaking animated feature, it’s crafted carefully, ensuring it lands where it matters most—with heart and sincerity.

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[photo courtesy of BLUE FOX ENTERTAINMENT]

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