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Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass review
Cat and mouse are transported to a quasi-medieval China in this luridly bright animation that has none of the inventiveness of the Hanna-Barbera originals
TL;DR
- Tom and Jerry are magically transported from modern New York City to a quasi-medieval China.
- The new setting features a mix of humans, gods, and fantastical creatures.
- The film incorporates elements of Chinese mythology and mixes them with Judeo-Christian iconography.
- Key characters include Jade, the Phoenix Master, and Mega-Rat, who engage in conflict over a magic compass.
- The reviewer finds the film derivative of 'Kung Fu Panda' and lacking the inventive spirit of the original Tom and Jerry cartoons.
- The animation is described as expensively rendered and eye-searingly bright, focusing on sensationalism and sensory overload.
- The narrative offers didactic lessons about community and collectivist philosophy.