In the realm of animated adventures, there is a recurrent exploration of Chinese culture, often centered around the Chinese zodiac and its associated animals. An illustrative example is found in Minions: The Rise of Gru, where the storyline revolves around villains seeking stones of power, aligning with the empowerment derived from the zodiac. Perhaps most notably, the Kung Fu Panda series prominently features Po, an aspiring panda martial artist whose journey unfolds alongside the Furious Five, companions each representing a distinct Chinese zodiac animal.
These endearing characters, celebrated by children globally, play a pivotal role in imparting early awareness and appreciation for elements of Chinese culture, particularly the fascinating realm of the Chinese zodiac.
The Tiger’s Apprentice marks a new addition to Paramount Animation’s library, currently available for streaming on Paramount+. The narrative revolves around Tom Lee (Brandon Soo Hoo), a high school teenager grappling not only with the typical challenges of adolescence, but also with an unexpected revelation. One fateful night, Tom discovers that his grandmother, a mystical guardian, has been tasked with protecting a phoenix egg.
Tragedy strikes as she is fatally attacked by the malevolent sorceress, Loo (Michelle Yeoh), driven by a desire for the phoenix’s power. In her final moments, Tom inherits the responsibility of safeguarding the phoenix. To face this newfound duty, he undergoes training under the guidance of Mr. Hu (Henry Golding), a shapeshifting tiger and member of the zodiac. As Loo and her formidable demon minions pose a potent threat, Tom must harness the collective powers of the entire zodiac to thwart her ambitions.
The Tiger’s Apprentice draws inevitable comparisons to the original Kung Fu Panda, as both films share a common premise wherein the protagonists unexpectedly find themselves as guardians of potent artifacts. In each narrative, the main characters grapple with self-doubt and skepticism from others as they embark on a journey to embrace their heroism. Additionally, both stories assemble a team of characters inspired by the Chinese zodiac.
However, the parallels end there. While The Tiger’s Apprentice boasts visual allure, it diverges from the enchanting aesthetics of Kung Fu Panda. Paramount Animation opted for an artistic style reminiscent of the Spider-Verse movies, yet the colors appear slightly muted, resulting in a darker overall tone. This choice, though intriguing, might have benefited from a brighter palette to enhance the vibrancy of the Asian themes. Furthermore, in contrast to Kung Fu Panda’s abundance of comedic moments, The Tiger’s Apprentice opts for a more restrained approach, reducing the frequency of humor. While this choice is valid, it does underscore a distinction in the film’s overall appeal, when compared to its animated predecessor.
When viewed in isolation, The Tiger’s Apprentice doesn’t fall into the realm of bad films; however, it grapples with a sense of hastiness that detracts from its potential. The narrative unfolds without affording adequate room for character development, leaving each scene feeling like a mere precursor to the next pivotal moment.
Despite witnessing Tom’s grandmother’s demise, Tom, himself, fails to evoke genuine sympathy as the emotional impact of this profound event is overshadowed by its function as a plot device to deliver the phoenix egg. This missed opportunity for emotional depth is emblematic of the film’s broader reluctance to delve into character backgrounds. Critical aspects such as Loo’s motivations, the origin of the zodiac members’ shapeshifting abilities and the process of selecting a guardian remain unexplored, leaving the audience craving a more comprehensive understanding.
The film, while not without merit, ultimately leaves viewers yearning for a more nuanced exploration of its characters and their intricacies.
I am awarding The Tiger’s Apprentice a modest two out of five stars, reflecting its missed opportunities in pacing and storytelling. Despite sharing thematic elements with other successful movies delving into Chinese mythology, The Tiger’s Apprentice falls short in terms of humor, charm and visual appeal, leaving it somewhat lacking when compared to its counterparts. A more measured approach could have allowed the film to breathe, permitting the development of a richer storyline and more engaging characters, ultimately elevating its overall impact.