Everyone’s favorite cat-and-mouse duo is back, this time on the big screen, in Tom and Jerry: The Movie. Released in 2021, this live-action/animated hybrid features Chloë Grace Moretz, Michael Peña, and Rob Delaney, alongside the animated chaos of Tom and Jerry themselves. Set in modern-day New York City, the film plays out mostly in a luxury hotel where the stakes are hilariously high, as Tom and Jerry’s relentless antics wreak havoc during a high-profile wedding. The film belongs firmly in the family-comedy genre, offering a nostalgic treat for older fans and slapstick entertainment for the younger generation.
The story kicks off with Tom and Jerry in their usual dynamic of rivalry, but this time with a modern twist. Jerry has moved into an upscale hotel, living his life unnoticed, while Tom is still chasing his dreams—quite literally—of catching Jerry. Enter Kayla (played by Chloë Grace Moretz), a young and ambitious woman who lands a job at the hotel by pretending to have the qualifications she lacks. When Kayla is tasked with ensuring that Jerry doesn’t ruin the upcoming celebrity wedding, she hires Tom to get rid of the pesky mouse. What ensues is a series of chaotic chases and slapstick humor as the classic battle between Tom and Jerry is brought into the real world, disrupting not only the hotel staff but the prestigious wedding preparations. However, as in any good comedy, the conflict escalates to absurd heights before culminating in a series of wild, unexpected turns.
One of the standout elements of the film is its seamless blending of animation and live-action. Tom and Jerry retain their 2D animated style amidst a live-action setting, which feels like a nod to their origins while embracing modern filmmaking. The decision to keep the iconic duo in their traditional form, rather than opting for full CGI, helps preserve the spirit of the original cartoons. The animation is fluid and energetic, capturing the same fast-paced physical comedy that made Tom and Jerry famous. The slapstick gags, whether it’s Tom being launched into the air or Jerry dodging elaborate traps, are all choreographed with a great sense of timing. The filmmakers clearly aimed to keep the classic antics fresh while incorporating them into a real-world environment, which works surprisingly well in many sequences.
The voice acting, or rather the lack of it for Tom and Jerry, is faithful to the original series. The duo communicates through physical expression and exaggerated sound effects, a hallmark of their charm. However, the human cast adds verbal flair, with Chloë Grace Moretz as Kayla leading the way. She brings a bubbly and slightly quirky energy to the film, embodying the ambitious yet desperate millennial trying to prove herself in a cutthroat job market. Michael Peña plays the uptight hotel manager, Terrance, who finds himself at odds with Kayla as the wedding unravels. Peña’s performance adds another layer of humor, as his character becomes increasingly frazzled by Tom and Jerry’s chaos. However, while the cast is generally serviceable, the human characters often take a back seat to the animated leads, which is perhaps as it should be in a Tom and Jerry movie.
The cinematography by Alan Stewart and direction by Tim Story complement the frenetic pace of the film. The camera movements are fluid and dynamic, particularly during the chase scenes, where it keeps up with Tom’s exaggerated leaps and Jerry’s nimble dodges. The movie makes good use of its New York setting, showing off bustling city streets and luxurious hotel interiors that contrast with the chaos Tom and Jerry leave in their wake. The special effects are well-done, particularly in how the animated characters interact with their real-world surroundings—furniture is destroyed, cakes are splattered, and chandeliers come crashing down, all in the style of classic cartoon physics but with a modern, polished look.
The music by Christopher Lennertz captures the playful and mischievous tone of the film. The score is lively, with jazzy, upbeat tunes accompanying the chase sequences, while more whimsical notes highlight the comedic tension between Tom, Jerry, and the human characters. While the score may not be particularly memorable, it suits the mood of the film and keeps the energy high throughout. Additionally, the film includes a variety of pop tracks that are mostly aimed at a younger audience, though they sometimes feel out of place in scenes that could have relied more on the classic orchestral flourishes of the original series.
Another strong point is the film’s ability to stick to its core theme—conflict and cooperation. At the heart of every Tom and Jerry episode is the ongoing battle between the cat and mouse, but beneath it all, there’s often an underlying sense of reluctant teamwork. In this film, the duo finds themselves needing to work together to save the day, and while the storyline is predictable, it adds a layer of depth to their otherwise simple rivalry. The movie also explores themes of ambition and deception through Kayla’s storyline, showing how her initial dishonesty spirals into more significant consequences. While this subplot adds an interesting dimension, it often feels underdeveloped, particularly when compared to the slapstick action involving Tom and Jerry.
Despite its many strengths, Tom and Jerry: The Movie has its shortcomings. The humor, while nostalgic for older fans, can feel repetitive at times, especially for those who may not be as enamored with classic slapstick. The human characters, though well-acted, sometimes feel like filler, existing mainly to react to Tom and Jerry’s antics. Additionally, the plot, while fun, lacks originality and can feel a bit thin, relying heavily on familiar tropes and the novelty of the animated/live-action mix.
In conclusion, Tom and Jerry: The Movie is a lighthearted, entertaining watch that sticks close to what made the original cartoons so beloved. The film successfully blends nostalgia with modern filmmaking, delivering high-energy, slapstick humor that will appeal to children while offering enough throwbacks to keep older audiences engaged. The performances from the human cast are solid, and the animation is a visual treat, but the film’s focus remains firmly on the chaotic charm of Tom and Jerry themselves. If you’re a fan of the iconic duo or looking for a family-friendly film full of laughs, this is a delightful option that doesn’t take itself too seriously. However, for those looking for more depth or innovation in storytelling, it might feel like just a fun trip down memory lane without much substance.
