★★
After discovering a Yeti on the roof of her apartment building, teenage Yi and her two friends embark on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family
Classification: U
A visual wonder, the animation to Abominable maybe some of Dreamwork's best as it takes the audience through a beautiful journey from the metropolis of Shanghai to the mountains of the Himalayas. However, despite the beautiful colours and family-friendly atmosphere writer-director, Jill Culton is unable to bring anything fresh to this animated adventure. That isn't to say Abominable isn't enjoyable, the characters are likeable, the yeti creature's design will surely help in selling plush toys but the film follows all the predictable beats with only a few moments that break from the expected norm. Bearing similarities to other adventure films such as E.T: the Extra-Terrestrial, The Iron Giant or even this year's earlier Missing Link which was another film about taking a creature to the Himalayas. It's a typical child befriends magical creature story, helping them and avoiding an evil government or organisation that wishes to capture the said creature, learning life lessons on the way. Abominable may be a fun time for the kids but its hard not to notice that its execution of ideas isn't very different from other films of its kind.
The most unique element of Abominable would probably be the creature's mythical powers, the Yeti named Everest by main character Yi throughout the film displays the ability to manipulate nature. At first its small, allowing flowers to bud or fruit to grow but soon the film relies on the ability for every new set-piece whether its transforming vast fields into waves or summoning lightning. It allows for unique visuals especially the image of Everest, Yi and their companions riding the grassy waves but these powers still bear resemblance to a character like E.T. The powers are responsible for the films most powerful emotional moments yet still feel put of place as Abominable rushes through a lot of its emotional catharsis. Yi's character arc is dealing with the death of her father, excluding herself from her family and saving money for an adventure inspired by her father's desire to travel. The appearance of Everest suddenly has Yi embark on that very adventure as she learns to accept her grief not only through her friendship but through music with her father's violin.
The musical component to Yi's journey is the most satisfying element to the story, far more than the comedy of Jin or Peng, or the actions of the villains. Allowing her character along with Everest to communicate and emote through Yi's violin is great visual storytelling especially when Rupert Gregson-Williams beautiful score commands over the film. The best scene of the film being the characters upon the Leshan Buddha as it utilises the films Chinese cultural setting through the characters emotional journey with her violin. This isn't the first Dreamworks animated film to feature Chinese culture but the first to feature Chinese characters and the film doesn't go for obvious stereotypes. The characters feel more clichéd by their journey than any defining character trait with no real surprises or distinguishing moments to make any of them memorable.
Even with its forgettable story, characters and messaging Abominable is still a well made animated film that will please any family audience. A visual treat more than a cinematic one as the film relies on predictable comedy and story development besides the few creative sequences where Everest's powers create exciting nature changing action. Jill Culton's efforts aren't appreciated however as she still delivers a film appropriate for the target audience, the issue she is unable to have her film contain any hook for an older audience. Abominable isn't childlike or immature but lacks an extra layer of storytelling that elevates so many other animated films to resonate with older audiences. The film only has the briefest of moments where it could mature but doesn't take the opportunity to tell a grounded story in its magical world.
Director: #JillCulton
Cast: #ChloeBennet, #AlbertTsai, #TenzingNorgayTrainor, #EddieIzzard, #SarahPaulson, #TsaiChin, #MichelleWong
Release Date: October 11th 2019
Trailer:
Written review copyright ©CoreyBullochReviews
Images and Synopsis from the Internet Movie Database
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