Director
Jill Culton
(OPEN SEASON)

Starring the voices of
Chloe Bennet, Joseph Izzo, Albert Tsai, Tenzing Norgay Trainor, Eddie Izzard and Sarah Paulson

There is nothing abominable about DreamWorks Animation’s fun-filled and kind-hearted new family feature. Well, figuratively speaking anyway.

As this animated picture commences, a frightened young Yeti is breaking free from being in human captivity during a busy night in the city of Shanghai. While seeking refuge from his captors and the search party hunting for him, this Yeti is accidentally discovered by a lonely young girl named Yi (voiced by Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. star Chloe Bennet). She decides to name her new companion Everest, after realising he is far from his mountainous home, and takes it upon herself to return him there with the assistance of a couple of friends, Jin (voiced by Tenzing Norgay Trainor) and Peng (voiced by Albert Tsai). Hot on their heels though is a villainous tycoon, Burnish (Eddie Izzard) and a well-intentioned Zoologist, Dr Zara (voiced by Sarah Paulson) who both want to regain possession of the Yeti.

ABOMINABLE’s structure and plot trajectory might be very textbook, but its original story is filled with lively and strongly developed characters who bring plenty of heart, humour and adventure to the film. In fact, I liked the character work in this film so much, I’m going to focus on and elaborate upon this aspect solely in my review!

First things first, no matter how major or small, speaking or non-speaking the role might be, every character in this film makes a worthy contribution. We’ll start with small, and work our way up from there. Early on, before any of the real adventures in this film begin, a character by the name of Nai Nai, who is Yi’s grandmother, provides the film with some of its most likable moments. Actually, I very recently watched the film THE FAREWELL and this character reminded just a little of Nai Nai in that film! The non-speaking role of course belongs to Everest, the Yeti. Despite this fact, the computer animation work is always good enough to clearly articulate what this creature is feeling to an all-ages audience. The interactions that Everest has with his newfound companions and rescuers differ for each of his recipients, but consistently demonstrates the connections he is forming with them. Kids will also love the more physical style of comedy that this character exhibits throughout. As for the rest of the main characters, the script contains enough depth and diversity to also keep their own connections evolving with one another, as well as with Everest.

Hopefully like me, you too find ABOMINABLE much easier to watch than it is to say.

3 ½ stars

Viewer Discretion
G (some scenes may scare very young children)

Trailer
ABOMINABLE

Moviedoc thanks Universal Pictures for the invite to the screening of this film.

ABOMINABLE is released in cinemas throughout Australia from September 18th, 2019.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc
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