If you’re in dire need of some fresh content for the young ones then Vertigo may have just the film for you. That film is Australian animation 100% Wolf, which features the vocal talents of the likes of Jai Courtney, Jane Lynch, and Samara Weaving. The story focuses on Freddy Lupin, heir to a proud family line of werewolves. Given that his own father, Flasheart (Courtney), is the current Alpha, Freddy is certain that when his transformation happens he’ll be revealed as the most fearsome werewolf ever. He gets one heck of a shock though as when his time finally comes, rather than becoming a strong and striking wolf, he instead morphs into a teeny tiny poodle. With only hours to prove his worth to the rest of the pack, he finds himself relying on stray dog, Batty (Weaving), to win them over.
Whilst low budget animations often struggle to push past their modest budgets, 100% Wolf does a respectable job at holding its own. Granted, at times the animation feels a little The Nut Job or Over the Hedge, but every now and again it manages to stand up with beloved Pixar films. These animations can be rather hit or miss; for the most part, 100% Wolf manages to succeed more than it fails.
100% Wolf capitalises on familiar narrative threads to ensure that family fun is maintained. So get ready for familiar story elements from iconic films including The Lion King, How to Train Your Dragon and just a smattering of The Corpse Bride . By borrowing these elements, it ensures that it gets the young audience on board more easily. There’s also a lot of humour and heart pumped into 100% Wolf that works to disguise some of the weaker technical elements. The characters are cute enough for kids and grown-ups alike to fawn over, but it’s the really positive messages of believing in yourself and not judging people without getting to know them first, that make it so endearing.
The desired result of 100% Wolf is to entertain the kids and whilst it might not be to older children’s tastes, it can (and did in this writer’s experience) keep the tinier ones enthralled.
100% Wolf will be released in UK and Irish cinemas on 31st July.
100% Wolf
Summary
The perfect way to entertain the littlest ones this summer, 100% Wolf is a well-made, and rather charming animation.
