Smallfoot
The Film
Smallfoot is a 2018 computer-animated musical comedy film produced by Warner Animation Group. Based on the children’s book 'Yeti Tracks' by Sergio Pablos, the film stars the voices of Channing Tatum, James Corden, Zendaya, Common, LeBron James, Gina Rodriguez, Danny DeVito, Yara Shahidi, Ely Henry, and Jimmy Tatro.
An animated adventure for all ages, with original music and an all-star cast, Smallfoot turns the Bigfoot legend upside down. Migo is a friendly Yeti whose world gets turned on it's head when he discovers something that he didn't know existed -- a human. He soon faces banishment from his snowy home when the rest of the villagers refuse to believe his fantastic tale. Hoping to prove them wrong, Migo embarks on an epic journey to find the mysterious creature that can put him back in good graces with his simple community.
The film was highly praised for appealing to both children and adults, and for raising more serious themes like friendship, courage and the joy of discovery.
Cinema Trailer
Development
Writers Glenn Ficarra and John Requa conceived the idea of Smallfoot, interested in a story about Yeti or Bigfoot; they drew inspiration from an original idea by Sergio Pablos.
The concept for Smallfoot was in development before director Karey Kirkpatrick joined the project in July 2016. On 11 May, it was announced that the film was in production with Channing Tatum, Zendaya, and Gina Rodriguez providing the lead voice roles. The film was animated by Sony Pictures Imageworks, who had also provided animation for the Warner Animation Group's Storks, and utilized Autodesk Maya for the animation process. Ryan O'Loughlin, a DreamWorks Animation veteran, was originally the film's director, but was replaced by Kirkpatrick.
Music
The score for the film was composed by Heitor Pereira. The songs were written by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick. The film originally had no songs until six months into production, when the suggestion of making the film a musical came from Toby Emmerich, who was recently elected as chairman of the Warner Bros. Pictures Group at the time.
The songs include "Perfection" by Channing Tatum, "Wonderful Life" by Zendaya, "Percy's Pressure" by James Corden (music from the song "Under Pressure", additional lyrics by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick), "Wonderful Questions" by Tatum & Zendaya, "Let It Lie" by Common, "Moment of Truth" by CYN, and "Finally Free" by Niall Horan.
Reception
On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 76%. The website's critical consensus reads, "Smallfoot offers a colorful distraction that should keep younger viewers entertained - and a story whose message might even resonate with older audiences." Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A–" on an A+ to F scale, while PostTrak reported filmgoers gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
Delnaz Divecha, writing in BookMyShow, said: "Smallfoot is suitable for all ages. Kids have a lot to learn from this curiosity-engaging film and adults can simply enjoy the comedy that comes with it." The Guardian Film Review rated the film 9 out of 10, saying: "Kids of all ages will enjoy this charming film, which introduces some thought-provoking ideas as well."
Roger Ebert praised the film, saying: "Smallfoot urges kids to think for themselves... It’s a bold and exciting thematic choice for a film aimed at mainstream audiences of all ages."
Voice Cast
Channing Tatum as Migo, a young male yeti who is determined to prove
the existence of the Smallfoot. He has a huge crush on Meechee.
James Corden as Percy Patterson, a human film-maker of wildlife documentaries
trying to get back in the spotlight, who becomes Migo's Smallfoot-best
friend.
Zendaya as Meechee, a young female yeti, the Stonekeeper's daughter, Thorp's
young sister, the leader of Small But Exists, and Migo's love interest.
Common as Stonekeeper, the condescending yeti chief and father of Thorp
and Meechee.
LeBron James as Gwangi, a large male yeti who is part of the S.E.S.
Gina Rodriguez as Kolka, a female yeti who is part of the S.E.S.
Danny DeVito as Dorgle, a short male yeti who is the village gong ringer
and Migo's widowed father.
Yara Shahidi as Brenda, Percy's co-worker for his show and his morally-conscious
assistant, who doesn't believe in yetis.
Ely Henry as Fleem, a small, obnoxious male yeti who is part of the S.E.S.
Jimmy Tatro as Thorp, a slow-witted male yeti who's the Stonekeeper's
son and Meechee's older brother.
Patricia Heaton as Mama Bear, a bear that Migo and Percy encounter in
a cave while waiting out a blizzard.
Justin Roiland as Garry, a paranoid male yeti.
Jack Quaid as Pilot, a human airplane pilot who crashes on the mountain
and who Migo first meets.
Sarah Baker as Soozie's Mom, a female yeti who is the mother of Soozie
(a yeti girl).