“Rumble,” the 2021 Paramount+ Original Movie, is a good film. In a world where Disney/Pixar typically rules the animation world, it’s nice to see a new contender, coming from a streaming service no less. In ways, the film reminds me of Shawn Levy’s touching “Real Steel,” but supplants a damaged father/son relationship for a lone girl, Winnie (Geraldine Viswanathan) trying to fill big shoes left by her father. She lives in the world of ‘monster fighting’—a world where huge, towering beasts battle each other in wrestling arenas. Her father and his monster ‘Rayburn’ were all-time greats. But with a tragedy striking and their passing, the mantle falls on Winnie. And while this movie follows a simple formula, it works. It celebrates a strong-willed female lead without being overt about it, as well as themes of following your dreams and being yourself.
What’s most fun about “Rumble” is it will likely appeal to both kids and adults in equal measure. Its visual effects—namely giant monsters beating the tar out of each other in huge stadiums—will have kids cheering, and its tenderer moments will too. But amidst this, it sneaks in its themes without being overbearing. Adults will certainly appreciate the celebration of rising to the challenge no matter what odds, the film’s simple but lovable characterization, and its commentary on greed and callousness, which the film addresses through its impassioned speeches and loving messages.
Solid and Fun Voice Acting and Characters
The film features solid animation and voice acting. Of course, the favorites here have to be Terry Crews who voices the ‘villainous’ monster Tentacular (I say “villainous” because he’s a cocky, almost ambivalent villain, but is one nonetheless) and ‘Rayburn Jr.,’ an unsung gem of a monster voiced by Will Arnett. I personally love Crews and Arnett. Crews is just a nice guy, and was wonderful in “The Expendables” series, while Arnett is a fun personality as seen in Jonathan Liebesman’s “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” movies redux and LEGO Master on TV.
However, the real gem of “Rumble” is the chemistry and camaraderie that Viswanathan has with Arnett, the two actors forging a kinship with nothing but animation and a voice. It helps that the directing of Hamish Grieve is subtle and warming, and that the writing by Matt Lieberman, who pulls from “Monster on the Hill,” the graphic novel by Rob Harrell, is engaging and not lazy. Winnie has a drive and spunk that defy the odds thrown at her, but she’s not impervious to hurt and heartache often because of it. A scene where she realizes her efforts at training her ‘find’ Rayburn Jr. may not pan out is especially hard to bear.
Arnett and Viswanathan Charm as ‘Winne’ and ‘Rayburn Jr.’
But alongside her, Rayburn Jr. is given depth too. He’s the son of the other Rayburn, but has been viewed as a pariah his whole life. He’s left the town of Stoker where this film takes place to be the fall guy in underground monster wrestling because losing is all he knows how to do. Winnie sees something in him; and though he’s slow to accept it, when he does the film makes it worth the payoff. And while “Rumble” has scenes of training and the once hopeful loser coming into his own, this is no “Rocky.” Grieve makes this film about humor, mostly, but also about loving yourself. It’s a good message that resonates well with kids while letting adults enjoy it on the same level.
Terry Crews voices the menacing ‘Tentacular.’ (Photo: Paramount +).
Another plus is the film’s animation, and the unique visual creations that make up the film’s monsters. There’s a number of monsters created for the film, and they all have a certain heft to them when fighting. You can feel the blows and the tumbles; but keep in mind, this is a ‘PG’ movie that 20 + years ago would probably rate as a ‘G,’ so there’s nothing ultra violent or alarming here.
Fun for the Whole Family
The animators also give great detail to the town of Stoker here, with an impressive ‘monster wrestling’ stadium, a diner where all the townsfolk gather to discuss news of the town, and a fun group of characters the film uses for comedy or dramatic fodder. All-in-all, it looks like a nice place to live. The threat of losing the stadium and having it turned into a parking lot makes up the crux of this movie’s drama. But Winnie’s spunk and determination to save it will resonate with many a child, and adults too.
All-in-all, “Rumble” is a good movie. It’s entertaining, fun, dramatic, and, in parts, sad. It’s got a heart to it that the writers do a good job with. The animation is loud and fun, and the film deals with some heavy themes while still managing to be fun for both kids and adults. The film is currently streaming on Paramount + and Prime Video, and is a fun way to pass an afternoon, or evening, with the family.
“Rumble” is currently available to watch on Paramount + and Prime Video.
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