Wheely

Set in the exhilarating world of cars and automotive industry, Wheely is a 2018 animated adventure comedy film that introduces us to the engaging character of Wheely, a humble taxi, who embarks on an adventurous journey that's packed with doses of action, humor, warmth, life-lessons, and love. Directed by Yusry A. Halim, this 90-minute ride into a universe brimming with sentient vehicles boasts voice-overs by artists such as Barbara Goodson, Chris Jai Alex, and Brock Powell who help breathe life into the adorable cast of characters.

The movie’s narrative revolves around the central figure Wheely, a small city cab who dreams of becoming a king of the road in the bustling city of Gasket City. Once a racing car, Wheely had to give up his dreams of grandeur following a serious accident. Working shrugged off as a lowly taxi cab, he yearns for a chance to prove his worth — looking for an opportunity to shine again. Wheely's life takes a twist when he stumbles upon an exquisite Italian model, Bella di Monetti who finds herself in a grievous situation with a notorious syndicate leader, 18-wheeler truck, Kaiser and his pack of goons. Bella’s beauty and charm get the better of Wheely, and despite the dangers ahead, he falls in love at first sight and decides to rise to the occasion, vowing to rescue Bella and thwart Kaiser's malicious plans.

As the story unfolds, the once-wavering Wheely is shown transforming into a valiant hero ready to take on any challenge that comes his way. This transformation is propelled by his resilient spirit fueled by his desire to save Bella, and hence giving him undue bravery to confront daunting challenges head-on.

What ensues is a delightful adventure fuelled by high octane chase scenes and thrilling escapades through the colorful streets, dark alleyways and soaring bridges of Gasket City, reminding every spectator of their favorite childhood fantasies about sentient cars. As Wheely races against time, outsmarting and running off Kaiser’s henchmen, the viewers are treated to a series of heartwarming moments mixed with exciting action sequences and touching romance.

One of the film's strengths is the use of humor, which flows seamlessly into the storyline where each humorous quip and gag line is aimed at not only the young audience but also the adults. Apart from this, the film also explores themes of courage, friendship, integrity, and the time-tested belief that size and strength do not determine one's ability to become a hero. This emphasis on values is flawlessly embedded in the storyline, making it a wholesome cinematic experience for the young and the old alike.

The voice cast offers competent voiceover performances that distinctly enliven each character, with Barbara Goodson, Chris Jai Alex, and Brock Powell putting in memorable performances. Barbara Goodson, in particular, brings a charming sophistication to Bella which parallels nicely against Chris Jai Alex's vulnerable yet determined voice for Wheely. Brock Powell, however, steals the show as the villainous Kaiser, supplementing the menacing demeanor to his character with his deep, rough tone.

Visually, Wheely is marked by vibrant animation, with its quality and intricacies comparable to many mainstream animated films. The car-centric world of Gasket City is displayed in incredible detail – the towering skyscrapers, the crowded streets, the bustling automobile populace, all sum up to create a lively spectacle for the audience. Add to that an engaging background score, and you get a movie that is a joy to both the eyes and the ears.

In summary, Wheely takes us on an incredible journey with a loveable cab, offering an impressive blend of humor, action, and emotion. It manages to keep its audience entertained while it sends out positive messages of courage, resilience, and the true essence of being a hero. It caters effectively to the taste of the young audience with its colorful animation and engaging plot but also ensures the adults are not left out with its subtle humor and layered narrative. This heartwarming tale about an underestimated taxi rising above the odds against the backdrop of a busy automobile world makes Wheely an engaging watch for movie lovers of all age-groups.