The new Warner Bros animated movie Smallfoot successfully blurs the lines between myth and reality.
It combines them in such a clever way that adults and children alike may find themselves leaving the cinema pondering the meaning of existence.
Both educational and entertaining, this is a film about coexistence and the importance of building respect with others – even if they are different from ourselves.
It is helped by the storytelling and great voiceovers by an ensemble cast, but there was scope to delve deeper into the nature of relationships and how they shape our lives.
Could the movie be better? Maybe.
But that is something to consider for the sequel, or prequel.
I am interested to know more about the future of the creatures depicted in the film, the yetis.
Smallfoot the story of a war between yetis and humans, as told by Stonekeeper (voiced by the rapper Common), the wise yeti elder.
It is set largely in the Himalayas, in a yeti village situated in a mountainous region well above the clouds.
There the young yeti Migo (Channing Tatum) comes across a burning jet and encounters the pilot, who flees in fear.
In a twist on the Bigfoot legend, it is Migo who ends up trying to convince his fellow yetis that humans, referred to as “smallfoots”, really do exist.
After challenging the wisdom of the village, which doesn’t believe him, he embarks on a search for proof – and encounters failing TV personality Percy Patterson (James Cordon).
This kicks off a series of events that are as entertaining as they are thought-provoking.
It was good to see Danny DeVito back as the voice of Migo’s father, while basketball star Lebron James features as Migo’s friend.
However, it is unlikely to stop The Incredibles 2 landing the Oscar for Best Animated Movie this year.
The movie, which runs for 96 minutes, is being screened at Vox Cineco City Centre, Seef Cineplex, Saar Cineplex, Wadi Al Sail, Mukta A2 and Vox The Avenues.