We give it: 2.5/5 stars.
Miscommunication causes way too many headaches. Especially when the two parties trying to understand one another are a Yeti and a human. Or, as the Yetis like to call them, the Smallfoot. The new film Smallfoot, from Warner Brothers and director Karey Kirkpatrick, is a fun, sweet (and catchy) lesson on the need to forget stereotypes and actually try and talk to someone who looks and behaves differently than you.
The plot is ridiculous, but as the film progresses, you realize it's all leading toward a larger message. The Yetis live in a village floating above the clouds and each citizen has a task they must complete every day to keep the village afloat. No one questions their tasks and the leader of the village, Stonekeeper, voiced by Common, wants to keep it that way.
Then, one day, a Yeti named Migo (Channing Tatum) discovers a "Smallfoot" and races to tell his friends. Stonekeeper tries to disprove his story and banishes him. It's a theme throughout the movie: No one questions the status quo. Migo even sings a song about it.
The producers' decision to make this a movie musical gives the cast a chance to let all their talents shine. Zendaya's beautiful vocals are displayed in her character Meechee's solo "Wonderful Life" and Common delivers a rap ballad in the latter half of the film which is actually pretty awesome, as far as rap ballads in animated PG films are concerned. Earlier, Corden sings his heart out on a special rendition of "Under Pressure." Tatum does such a good job with his song "Perfection" that he joked during the Los Angeles premiere that he's planning on releasing an album next year. You can read more about Townhall's chat with Tatum and Common here.
It's hard to miss the message in the film. It even may be a bit too obvious. But, the film does have some pretty funny scenes. And again, the music.
Oh and the kids in the audience loved it and laughed the entire two hours. So, if you're not going to the theater for you, go for them!