The Tiger’s Apprentice: A Mediocre Fantasy Adventure
Review of the January 2024 family-action animated film, The Tiger’s Apprentice.
At first glance, the existence of The Tiger’s Apprentice seems like a grand advance for Asian representation in animated cinema. The film boasts an impressive cast of celebrated Asian actors, including Michelle Yeoh, Henry Golding, Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh, Bowen Yang, and Greta Lee. However, despite this star-studded lineup, the movie falls short of its potential.
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Plot Summary
The story revolves around Tom Lee (voiced by Brandon Soo Hoo), a seemingly ordinary 15-year-old high school student raised by his grandmother (Kheng Hua Tan) in a San Francisco home filled with tchotchkes and talismans. When Tom accidentally displays extraordinary powers during a schoolyard altercation, he attracts the attention of Loo (Michelle Yeoh), a malevolent figure seeking a magical necklace guarded by Grandma. The necklace holds unimaginable powers and could lead to catastrophic consequences if misused.
Enter Hu (Henry Golding), a tiger who can transform into human form. Hu is one of the twelve representations of the Chinese Zodiac, sworn to protect humanity from Loo’s evil intentions. Reluctantly, Hu becomes Tom’s mentor, teaching him the ways of a guardian. Along the way, Tom meets other team members, including the dragon Mistral (Sandra Oh) and the cunning rat thief Sidney (Bowen Yang). Numerous battles between good and evil ensue, with the fate of the world resting in Tom’s hands.
What Works
- Asian Representation: The film’s casting is commendable, featuring celebrated Asian actors who lend their voices to the characters. It’s refreshing to see an animated film with an Asian-specific setting, themes, and characters.
- Visual Flourishes: Some animation sequences are striking, capturing the magic and wonder of the mystical world.
What Falls Short
- Lack of Originality: Despite its promising premise, The Tiger’s Apprentice fails to break new ground. The plot follows a familiar formula seen in other fantasy epics, like Harry Potter. Instead of exploring Chinese mythology in a modern context, the film opts for a generic fantasy adventure.
- Rushed Pacing: The movie rushes through character development and plot points, leaving viewers wanting more substance. It sacrifices depth for brevity, which ultimately hinders emotional investment.
- Mediocre Storytelling: While there are amusing moments, the overall storytelling lacks innovation. The film assembles all the elements for a genuinely innovative experience but fails to capitalize on them.
Final Verdict
The Tiger’s Apprentice is not an awful movie, but it’s far from exceptional. It’s a frustrating exercise that squanders its potential. Despite the impressive cast and glimpses of visual brilliance, the resounding mediocrity of the storytelling leaves much to be desired. If you’re planning a movie night with kids, it’s a decent choice, but don’t expect groundbreaking cinema.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
