Zodiac Warriors Rally in Animated Epic

Read Time:3 Minute, 35 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Tiger's Apprentice
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Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director(s): Raman Hui, Paul Watling, Yong Duk Jhun
Writer(s): David Magee, Christopher Yost, Based on the novel “The Tiger’s Apprentice” by Laurence Yep
Cast: Brandon Soo Hoo, Henry Golding, Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh, Michelle Yeoh, Bowen Yang, Leah Lewis, Tan Kheng Hua
Where To Watch: Exclusively on Paramount+ beginning February 2, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: THE TIGER’S APPRENTICE delivers an enchanting blend of fantastical animation with a story that may not break new ground but still captures the imagination of its audience. Set against the backdrop of San Francisco, we follow Tom Lee, a Chinese-American teenager voiced by Brandon Soo Hoo, whose life is transformed upon learning a family secret. Guided by a wise, talking tiger named Hu, voiced compellingly by Henry Golding, this animated adventure has Tom crossing paths in a battle against the sinister Loo (Michelle Yeoh,) whisking viewers into a captivating mix of contemporary life and ancient Chinese mythology.

The film champions Asian representation with a star-studded cast, including Soo Hoo, Golding, Oh, Yeoh, and more, all breathe life into diverse characters, each contributing their unique flair to this rich narrative. The characters pop off the screen, brimming with charisma and depth, setting a new bar for character development in animated features; along with a vibrant color palette, the characters become the visual guides for the audience.

Tom’s quest to retrieve the Phoenix Amulet, accompanied by his tiger guide, Hu, is the narrative's core. Their evolving relationship, from mentor-mentee to allies, mirrors Tom's personal growth throughout the film, with his life in general. This dynamic, coupled with solid animation in action sequences, adds an extra layer of excitement to the film, enhancing its visual storytelling.

THE TIGER’S APPRENTICE seems to have missed a golden opportunity to delve deeper into the lore of Chinese mythology. While it incorporates these elements, they often serve as a backdrop rather than as central, fully explored themes. This leaves the film feeling somewhat like a conventional adventure flick rather than a deep dive into the cultural richness it hints at. Although, if we’ve learned anything, animation is ripe for creating sequels that explore their themes deeper. FROZEN, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, and more all gave the audience a more profound understanding of what things mean in their sequels.

Despite its narrative hurdles, THE TIGER’S APPRENTICE remains enjoyable. It retains the essence of its source material, focusing on themes of adolescence, identity, and the coming-of-age journey. This suits those who enjoy a good mix of action, folklore, and character growth.

THE TIGER’S APPRENTICE falls just short of soaring to the heights it could have. The film has moments of brilliance, especially in its casting and portrayal of cultural heritage. It doesn't fully leverage its mythological roots to leave a more profound impact on the audience. Nonetheless, it's a worthwhile watch for those who enjoy animated adventures that blend the mythical with the modern, offering a glimpse into a world where legends come alive in the most unexpected ways.

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[photo courtesy of PARAMOUNT+]

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