WENDELL & WILD (2022)

 

Directed By: Henry Selick  Written By: Henry Selick and Jordan Peele Based on A Book By: Clay McLeod Chapman and Henry Selick  Cinematography: Peter Sorg Editor: Robert Anich, Jason Hopper, Mandy Hutchings and Sarah K. Reimas 

Featuring the voices of: Lyric Ross, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Angela Bassett, James Hong, Ving Rhames, Natalie Martinez, Sam Zelaya, Tamara Smart, Seema Virdi, Ramona Young 

Two scheming demon brothers, Wendell and Wild, enlist the aid of 13-year-old Kat Elliot to summon them to the Land of the Living.

Henry Selick is a master of his craft it is unfortunate that we rarely get to see or experience his projects, but when we do, you are certainly in for a good time. His projects should be looked forward to, as most audiences do for a new Pixar film. 

This film feels fresh and is full of diversity which Is rare in animation, especially in films of this kind. Where here the lead character is female and celebrated for her gumption and tenacity. 

The one weakness the film has overall is that while it seems deemed to be short and simple. It could have used more enrichment when it came to the characters' stories. Especially for a film supposedly based on Selick’s unpublished children’s book.

Now of course some parents might not agree with the film being so dark and having a more supernatural and underworld motif. Though really it is advertised on the poster.

As a person with a weakness for song and dance, it might have been more full overall go there was a musical number or music somewhere. 

It also offers a reunion of Keegan Michael Key and his comedy partner Jordan Peele (who co-wrote and produced the film) in animated form and with the same Chemistry and hijinks. In Fact, the title is the character's names 

The film has subtle satire about capitalism

And prison industrial complex. As well as a family message for those with and without. How you are not your parents and to be open to your children’s ideas. Especially if at heart they are trying to update something for you.

It makes sense why this came out around Halloween. As it makes a perfect film for the season and a good film to watch with the family. 

I was expecting a different marvel than this but also better than expected. 

Grade: B