Rumble

Rumble, released in 2021, is an engaging animated feature film that subtly combines sports with monster wrestling to create a unique thematic experience. Directed by Hamish Grieve, the film boasts a star-studded voice cast, including Geraldine Viswanathan, Will Arnett, and Stephen A. Smith, whose talents amplify the narrative’s appeal, bringing a myriad of characters to life with their versatile performances.

The story revolves around the world of monster wrestling, where towering creatures are the elite athletes. The main action takes place in an engaging city set in a parallel universe where monster wrestling is not an absurdity but a prime sporting event, a far cry from the typical human-centered sports dramas and comedies we are used to.

The central character is a young, tenacious woman named Winnie, voiced by Geraldine Viswanathan, who is quite relatable in her dreams and ambitions. Winnie is a monster wrestling aficionado, with a vibrant spirit and unwavering belief that everyone has the potential to achieve something great. In the world of monsters as sports heroes, she has always dreamed of and aspired to become a successful manager. Her ultimate aim is to follow in her father's footsteps, a great wrestling trainer.

This exciting journey takes off when Winnie encounters a seemingly laughable and unfit creature, a giant monster named Steve, voiced by Will Arnett. Despite his lack of basic wrestling skills and typical pro-wrestler persona, Winnie sees potential in him. Steve is an underdog in the monster wrestling scene, without the intimidating outlook, fierce skills, or established reputation of his competitors, but Winnie believes he has what it takes to topple the reigning champion, Tentacular.

Enter "Rayburn Sr," voiced by Stephen A. Smith, the venerable wrestling coach renowned for training champions and possessing a hard exterior with an experienced perspective. Together, it forms a dynamic plethora of characters, bringing a new twist to the age-old underdog story. It's about recognizing potential even in the unlikely places, pushing beyond the limits, and never backing down from a challenge, all while resonating with the intricate struggles and ambitions of real life.

The animation in Rumble is top-notch, with attention paid to detail and the creation of a vivid, engaging, and beautifully illustrated universe. The animation style imbues every scene with a unique, distinct flavor, bringing the characters and world to life while driving the narrative. The colorful, larger-than-life characters will likely capture the hearts of both children and adults alike.

Composer Lorne Balfe provides an exceptional soundtrack, enhancing the movie's ambiance and nicely complementing the fast-paced action. From the triumphant highs to the emotional lows, the music puts into perspective the emotions of characters, subtly underlining the crucial moments of their journey.

Rumble skillfully uses humor, relatable characters, encouraging themes, and an infusion of high-stakes sports drama, making it more than a simple monster movie. The immersive world of monster wrestling blends seamlessly with real-life issues, emphasizing growth, potential, friendship, faith, ambition, and the thrilling fight to become a champion.

Overall, Rumble is a captivating film, packed with a blend of comedy, action, and heart. It is a luxuriant animation that is both a treat for the eyes and an inspiring story that resonates with the audience. The great voices of Geraldine Viswanathan, Will Arnett, and Stephen A. Smith significantly deepen the overall experience, making this film a unique and worthwhile entry into the world of animated cinema.