(The pun's catchy.)
Abominable stars Yi (Chloe Bennet), a Shanghai girl who works odd jobs for money for a trip around China. She also secretly plays her late father's violin on the rooftop of her apartment. One night, she finds an escaped Yeti there. That Yeti was captured by mean Mr. Burnish (Eddie Izzard), a billionaire animal collector, but escaped in the opening scene. Yi names the Yeti "Everest," and decides to get him back to the eponymous mountain. Cousins Peng (Albert Tsai) and Jin (Tenzing Norgay Trainor) join her. Everest's ability to control nature comes in handy when Burnish's goons come after them.
That describes the movie. It's a simple plot one might essentially recognize from other films. But it's a film with a major surprise. Burnish is a lot nicer than he lets on ... it's his scientist, Dr. Zara (Sarah Paulson), who's the real big bad. Some may question the logic, but I'll give the movie points for trying. It also gets points for not overusing its running gag - the "whooping snake."
It's not heavily dramatic. On one hand, Yi deals with her dad's death and her distance from her family. But our heroes are rarely seriously threatened by the bad guys; when they are, it's not for very long. But at least it avoids some forced drama cliches in the process. So that's something.
Its best aspects are its technical splendor. Everest's powers have stunning results: giant blueberries, koi clouds, sunflower fields bending like waves, etc. Everest himself is a perfectly cuddly creature begging for a life-size plush toy. The Chinese locations, from Shnaghai to Everest, are visually appealing. It's set to a powerful score from Rupert Gregson-Williams, who also voices Everest's humming.
Abominable is a ninety-seven minute breeze. It's easy for kids but surprising enough for adults. It'll give you a bit to think about when it's done. It's good for an easy matinee - particularly as next month's (which it already is in some parts as I'm writing this) family movies are creepy and they're kooky...
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