"As the summer temperatures continue to sizzle family friendly films are hitting the big screen as an enticement to lure folks back to the theaters. This week's offering is Nickelodeon's animated film, "Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank". The story of a dog with big dreams of becoming a samurai. I again ventured to my local theater with high hopes for an entertaining hour thirty-seven-minute viewing experience in air-conditioned comfort to check this one out.
I'll cut to the chase, the best part of this outing was indeed the AC and to a lesser degree the snacks. Neither of which was worth leaving home or burning gas for.
The sinking feeling began with the opening short film. I can't honestly remember the name of this one, but it still has me shaking my head wondering WTF. It was...bizarre and unsettling at best. I'm not sure what anyone was thinking with it, let alone why it was paired with "Paws of Fury", but it definitely set the tone for the lackluster main attraction because once "Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank" began, things didn't get much better.
"Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank" is one of those animated films we get every few years where all the time and money seems to have been spent on assembling a heavy hitting voice cast and little else.
Billed as an animated remake of "Blazing Saddles", with a healthy dose of "Kung Fu Panda" as well, "PoF" is more a POS that lacks the charm, originality, or entertainment value of either.
Slogging through the first half of the film was a joyless and mind-numbing endeavor that felt endless. Fortunately, the second half of the film was much stronger and was a better viewing experience. However, overall, it's a case of too little too late.
Samuel L Jackson is the best part of this film hands down. This is another Turbo situation. In addition, Kylie Kuioka (Emiko) also breathes much needed life into this story as well. As for the rest of the cast, there simply isn't much for them to sink their teeth into. No character development. Little story. Lots of pop culture references (heavy on all things Mel Brooks), dog and cat puns, and visual gags fell short as all indications is this film is aimed toward a younger audience and it was going over their heads. Being one of the oldest audience members I chuckled here and there, but the only laugh out loud moment for the entire audience, especially the kiddos, came at the end of the movie.
Positive messaging throughout while important/great is handled with all the subtlety as a hand grenade in a bowl of oatmeal in its heavy handedness and becomes tedious quickly.
"Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank" doesn't hold much to warrant a trip to the theater. The potential was there in the concept but fails in the execution. This one's a stream at home at best. If and when you do, don't forget to fast forward to the end of the credits for one last tiny scene. The sentiment captures this film perfectly.
"Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank" is a disappointing 3 for me.
