Michael's Movie Grade: C
An okay animated comedy film.
This film's long journey to the screen began over a decade ago and at that time was under the title Blazing Samurai and was intended as a reworking of Blazing Saddles. Even with this movie's long journey to the screen in its finished form it is still very much a reworking of Mel Brooks' classic comedy (and yes it is a PG rated movie starring cartoon cats and dogs). Some of these scenes are even lifted directly from that movie. For those who have seen Blazing Saddles as many times as I have (I have it completely memorized) this will hurt your viewing experience. You may find yourself unconsciously comparing the two films and this movie is definitely the less funny of the two. Many scenes will simply make you think of how much funnier the joke was in Blazing Saddles.
That is not to say this film is all bad though. The main character here is very likable and his journey differs quite a bit from Bart (in Blazing Saddles). This gives the movie its own feel at times and keeps it from feeling like a complete retread of Blazing Saddles. You also get to really root for him and want him to succeed. The story moves at a fast pace and never once drags or feels too long giving the film a simple charming. The voice work is excellent, and Samuel L. Jackson is clearly having a great time voicing Jimbo. The design work on the flashback scenes is quite good and gives them a unique feel. And while I didn't laugh as much as I would have rewatching Blazing Saddles there are a few jokes that were pretty funny, even if there were just as many that missed the mark.
Unfortunately this film can't fully overcome weak supporting characters, a boring villain, a cliché story and quite a few unfunny jokes and little reason to exist when Blazing Saddles already does. Still it provides enough for a nice trip to the movies.
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