In yesteryear animated movies, it was either ‘dog versus cat’ or a ‘cat versus mouse’ scenario that dominated the plot. A whole generation grew up watching a Spike-beat-up-Tom-chase-Jerry, but with Paws of Fury, the notion is challenged. Here, we have a cat as a mentor of a dog who takes on an army of cats, resulting in mass hysteria. Yes, you read it right!

Paws of Fury is set in a place inspired by ancient Japan that loses its Samurai who has run away in fear, leaving them at the mercy of bandits. Enters a clumsy dog Hank (voiced by Michael Cera), who has just escaped death himself, and was surprised at being appointed as the next Samurai by the scheming cat lord, Ika Chu (Ricky Gervais).

Now Ika Chu has an agenda of his own, and sending a hapless ‘dog’ to an all-cat town seemed like the perfect solution. Yet Hank survives with the help of Jimbo (Samuel L Jackson), a retired and disgraced Samurai, who manages to train him as well as turn him into a savior the town needs.

Full of jokes and pop culture references, the 85-minute-long movie is enjoyable for the entire family. The animation is top notch and the same can be said about the voice-over actors who breathe life into the animated characters with their performances.

Directed by Rob Minkoff (Stuart Little, Sherman, and Mr. Peabody fame) and Mark Koetsier, its biggest problem is its pace and had it been a little faster, it would have reminded the audience of The Lion King (1994), where Minkoff was a co-director.

It would however be a treat for the fans of Kung Fu Panda and Zootopia, and barring some ‘toilet’ references, all is well in the movie. The message from Paws of Fury is quite clear for younger audiences; always believe in yourself and never shy away from standing up for your rights. However, giving such a mature message to those who cannot even spell ‘rights’ is as confusing as pronouncing Kakamucho.

Lastly, the film is sort of a tribute to Hollywood actor and comedy legend Mel Brooks and was even titled Blazing Samurai in respect of his Blazing Saddles movie. Despite the presence of 96-year-old Brooks as the voice-over actor behind Shogun, the connection seems irrelevant in 2022. It would have meant something two decades after the Blazing Saddles release that came out in 1974, but nearly 50 years after it graced cinemas, it means nothing for the youngsters. Some of them might not even know who Mel Brooks is!

Published in Dawn, Young World, August 20th, 2022