Review by John Delia
One of the better children’s animated films coming out this year Thunder and the House of Magic opens this weekend in theaters. Family friendly the movie targets 5 through 10-year-olds, especially those who love animals. The film has able direction by Ben Stassen and Jeremie Degruson and features the big eyed animation of movies like How to Train Your Dragon. Fun for all, the movie tugs at the heartstrings and punctuates the need to love your pets.
The movie opens on a beautiful day in the suburbs as a vehicle swings by a neighborhood, drops off a cat and drives away. Puzzled, the sweet little tabby looks around for a kind face to help it find food and shelter. After being avoided by a Chihuahua named KiKi (Joey Carmen) who doesn’t like cats and then chased by a Doberman, the cat finds itself at a spooky old run down mansion. So creepy that the dog stops chasing the cat and runs away.
Entering the house through the attic the cat finds the going rough avoiding mechanical toys and Maggie the mouse (Danielle Gray) until it finally ends up at the main living area. The cat wants to make friends with Maggie, but she’s not a trusting mouse. Moving on the cat bumps into Jack (George Babbit), a rabbit who’s the master of the animals and toys that inhabit the mansion. During an argument between the cat and Jack the owner of the estate Lawrence (Doug Stone), an elderly man, sees the cat and wants to keep it. Naming it Thunder (Murray Blue) as a lightning bolt crashes in the rain storm outside, he introduces himself to the cat as a famous magician.
The next day Lawrence’s nephew Daniel (George Grant), a real estate salesman, stops by to see him. Taking advantage of Uncle’s old age he tricks Lawrence into signing his name on a document that gives Daniel the Power of Attorney. His plan includes sending his uncle to a rest home and then selling his house for a profit. His devious plan has a big problem, he’s allergic to cats. When Jack, Maggie and Thunder realize what is happening, they join forces to stop the sale.
Directors Jeremie Degruson and Ben Stassen unfold the tale with very good animation. Bright, colorful and adventurous the movie directs messages at both children and adults. Some of the main ones are the rights of the elderly to maintain their existence unimpeded by those who want to take advantage of them. Another involves animals that should be treated with love and not something you can get rid by the side of the road after you are tired of them or because it becomes inconvenient to keep them anymore. Lastly, it’s important to make friends especially those in need like Thunder.
Thunder and the House of Magic has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains the same issues as a PG rating including rude humor and aggressive behavior. Be cautious when deciding to allow immature toddlers see the film without an older child or adult present.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A good story and enjoyable animation for families. (B)
Additional Film Information:
- Cast: Joey Carmen, Murray Blue, Doug Stone, George Babbit, Danielle Gray and George Grant
- Directed by: Jeremie Degruson and Ben Stassen
- Genre: Family, Animated, Adventure
- MPAA Rating: Unrated, contains some rude behavior, animated aggression
- Running Time: 1 hr 25 min
- Release Date: September 5, 2014
- Distributed by: Shout! Factory
- Release Formats: 2D, 3D