Luck has landed on the big screen, and with the legacy of Pixar behind it, the expectations are high. Produced by Skydance Animation and boasting the involvement of John Lasseter, the creative visionary behind Toy Story, the film seeks to enchant audiences with a heartwarming tale of luck, misfortune, and the magic that binds them together. Directed by Peggy Holmes, Luck may not reach the heights of Pixar’s greatest hits, but it offers a delightful adventure for young viewers to enjoy.
A Whirlwind of Misfortune
The story revolves around Sam (voiced by Eva Noblezada), an orphan living in a foster home. Plagued by a seemingly unending streak of bad luck, Sam navigates her life with the grace of a hurricane in a china shop. As she turns 18 and prepares to embark on an independent journey, Sam’s heart is set on one wish: to bestow better luck upon her fellow orphan and little sister figure, Hazel (voiced by Adelynn Spoon). The film quickly establishes a sentimental and sweetly pitched setup, setting the stage for a magical encounter that will change Sam’s life forever.
A Feline Friend and a Journey to Luck
Enter Bob, the magical cat (voiced by Simon Pegg), who becomes Sam’s unexpected ally in her quest for luck. With hints of Kiki’s Delivery Service’s beloved talking cat Jiji, Bob adds a touch of humor to the narrative. The duo embarks on a journey to the Land of Luck, a fantastical world where luck, both good and bad, is manufactured. Here, the film showcases its vibrant animation and introduces viewers to a lively and impressively realized setting.
A Joyful, Yet Slightly Complex World
The Land of Luck is an imaginative spectacle, reminiscent of an American Irish bar on St. Patrick’s Day, minus the booze. While visually captivating, the fantastical realm can feel slightly complicated due to the abundance of in-universe rules and explanations. As Sam and Bob venture forth on their mission, the film constantly unveils new elements to the audience, such as the ‘travel penny,’ the ‘good luck crystal,’ and the quirky ‘bunny drone’ controlled by a joystick. It may require some effort to keep up, but the colorful and amusing visuals make the journey worthwhile.
Laughs and Lessons
“Luck” thrives on visual comedy and charming set pieces. Standout moments include a hilarious encounter with an auto-flushing toilet that acts like 2001’s HAL, and a delightful dance sequence featuring a gaggle of adorable bunnies. While some pratfalls feel repetitive over time, the film’s overall liveliness and engaging animation make up for it.
A Whimsical Adventure with a Slightly Confused Message
As the story unfolds, Luck imparts a message about embracing life’s randomness and accepting that bad luck can sometimes bring positive outcomes. However, the film occasionally stumbles in conveying its lessons cohesively, leaving the ultimate message feeling slightly confused. Nevertheless, Luck remains an enjoyable option for children, offering them a heartwarming journey filled with imaginative animation and endearing characters.
Conclusion: An Animated Adventure with Dancing Bunnies
While Luck may not reach the pinnacle of Pixar’s most iconic films, it still manages to captivate young audiences with its whimsical adventure and imaginative visuals. Under the influence of John Lasseter, the film borrows elements from the Pixar formula, delivering a story that explores luck, choice, and the magic of life. With its bright animation, charming characters, and dance-filled fun, Luck is a delightful choice for a family movie night, perfect for engaging young viewers and keeping them entertained for a couple of hours.
