Directed by:
Toby GenkelScreenplay:
Terry RossioComposer:
Tom HoweCast:
Gemma Arterton, Emilia Clarke, David Thewlis, Hugh Laurie, Hugh Bonneville, Himesh Patel, Peter Serafinowicz, David Tennant, Rob BrydonVOD (3)
Plots(1)
The Amazing Maurice is based on the award winning book by Sir Terry Pratchett, written by Terry Rossio. The film tells the tale of Maurice, a large talking cat, who travels from town to town offering to solve their sudden rat problem. He unveils Keith, a young boy who can play the pipe quite well, and the rats march out of town to the relief of the townsfolk. Maurice and the money received from the grateful town suddenly disappear and he reappears a suitable distance away to count the money with Keith and the rats! But these are no ordinary rats - they talk and wear clothes and dream of an island paradise where rats and humans live together in peace. All goes well with their 'rat scam' until they reach the town of Bad Blintz, where they meet a book obsessed girl, Malicia, who leads them on an adventure to solve the mystery of her town. (Dazzler Media)
(more)Reviews (2)
I'm completely untouched by the source material for The Amazing Maurice, and indeed by Terry Pratchett's work, so if the film strayed from his poetics, I couldn't care less. The story itself is essentially a variation on the Pied Piper, but the film rises out of the waters of mediocrity with an unusual narrative style that won't be to the liking of all viewers, but, I found this approach suited me (whether it was the story of Mr. Hopscotch, the breaking down of narrative clichés, or the reflection of the viewer through the characters). Plus, it was nice to see an animated film made outside of the big studios that isn't downright silly or funny and visually stripped down. A weaker four stars!
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If I hadn't watched the film, I'd have thought this would be a five-star animated hit. A cat named Maurice in the lead, Terry Pratchett's source material, and a medieval German town setting – sounds perfect. But when you actually watch it, you find yourself just lounging, unable to fully immerse in the story. It's a nice, relaxing movie that kids might enjoy, but there's nothing particularly special about it.
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