Following a character in fantastical alternate universes is a common trope for animated films, Monsters and Co. coconut at Drunk and Vice versa. Each of these films received a warm welcome, we will quickly see that Skydance Animation was able to draw inspiration from this catalog of Disney films for its new product: Luck. First film of an agreement between Skydancing and Apple TV+, Luck seems very familiar, yet it depicts a unique and charming world that Sam Greenfield, the main character, can explore. Whether Luck does not include countless moments of frank laughter, the film succeeds perfectly in the charming and whimsical alchemy quickly sublimated by high-flying images and colors.
Luck follows the journey of Sam (Eva Noblezada), a young girl who left the foster care system at an advanced age, left on her own to live her life with only bad luck as her only companion. Every conceivable problem occurs when it comes to Sam, clumsiness at work, finding herself locked in her bathroom, no anecdotal bad luck spares the young girl. When Sam comes across a mysterious black cat one evening, everything changes. She finds a lucky coin that gives her the chance to have a lucky life, until she drops it in the toilet When Sam discovers the black cat’s name is actually Bob (Simon Pegg), she follows him to his world, The Land of Chance, a mysterious place populated by sprites, of unicorns, of dragon and other mystical creatures.
The land of luck (and its humorously-toned bureaucratic complexities) is a worthy setting throughout the feature film whose storyline explores plot after plot as Sam’s adventure continues in a linear, quest-like fashion. A detour through the basement, where bad luck reigns, results in a sequence that is both exciting and funny. It should be noted that the film is not “funny” to excess, in particular because it is essentially based on slapstick comedy scenes that will make young viewers laugh, but which could leave some older viewers hungry. Despite everything, for what it is, a family film, there is no doubt that each household will find something to enjoy.
Luck © Apple TV+ © Skydance Animation
If any computer-animated film is likely to be compared to Pixar, Lucky certainly will be. The formula is apparent from the film’s opening minutes (and a harrowing flashback, as you might expect), but the film doesn’t try to hide its indulgence. It’s a formula that works, and at a time when movie nostalgia is at its height, it becomes almost a comfort in its familiarity. Conversely, the highly stylized Irish patterns of Luck make the film, in some respects, an outing that we could usually find around Saint Patrick’s Day (the patron saint of Ireland, very celebrated across the Atlantic). This print (because that’s what a print is) brings a personal touch that is both charming and endearing. All of that fades as the conflict escalates, giving way to an inevitable conclusion, which puts an end to the story without dressing up this ending with any unnecessary complexity.
Luck is a success for the first of Skydance Animation and Applve TV+ who have perfectly known how to reproduce the classic and popular content of family formats, a challenge in itself, as the animated productions of streaming platforms are released in cascade, the rarity that made their quality has faded over the years. Luck has therefore taken up all these challenges and offers an hour and forty-five of freshness and a good time to spend with the little ones (and smaller ones), because yes, Luck suitable for young children without problem.
