Netflix Goofy Comedy With Sci-Fi Star Revives Classic Franchise

The film follows Tom Cat and Jerry Mouse, who relocate to New York City and find themselves in the middle of a high-profile themed wedding at a luxurious hotel. Chaos ensues as the hotel staff tries to get rid of Jerry before the wedding. Newly hired event planner Kayla (Chloe Grace Moretz) hires Tom to catch the pint-sized, trouble-making guest.

Chaos ensues as Tom and Jerry unleash their classic slapstick antics throughout the elegant hotel. The hotel’s staff, including Terence Mendoza (Michael Pena), the deputy general manager of the hotel, and Chef Jackie (Ken Jeong), are caught in the crossfire as they try to keep the bride and groom, Ben (Colin Jost) and Preeta (Pallavi Sharda), happy.

The film not only pays homage to the classic cat-and-mouse rivalry, it also revives the franchise by setting the story against the vibrant backdrop of New York City. Tom & Jerry offers a delightful blend of nostalgia, humor, and chaos, leaving audiences wondering whether the long-time adversaries can coexist peacefully or if their feud will ruin the grand celebration

Tom & Jerry did moderately well at the global box office earning approximately $136 million against a production budget of between $50 and $80 million. While not a massive blockbuster, the film’s performance was notable, considering it was released during a time when the Covid-19 pandemic affected theater attendance.

The hybrid feature was met with a mixed reception from critics, with some criticizing the formulaic plot and live-action elements. However, others praised the animation and the nostalgic appeal for fans of the original Tom and Jerry cartoons. Audience reception varied, with some folks believing that live-action portions detracted from the essence of the animated characters.

The classic animated cartoon series Tom and Jerry made its debut in 1940 and quickly became one of the most popular animated franchises in the world. The premise is relatively simple. Tom is constantly trying to catch Jerry, who is always one step ahead, leading to a series of humorous and often chaotic chases.

The cartoons are characterized by their lack of dialogue, relying on visual gags, physical comedy, and a memorable musical score to entertain audiences. Throughout the years, Tom and Jerry have appeared in over 161 short films and have been revived in various forms, including television shows, direct-to-video releases, and the 1992 feature film Tom and Jerry: The Movie.

Through these various iterations, Tom and Jerry’s timeless humor and dynamic have remained a cherished part of popular culture, captivating audiences across generations, which is why Tom & Jerry is worth checking out while it’s streaming on Netflix.