The animated feature Tom and Jerry: The Forbidden Compass has received a zero percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes following its world premiere on September 4.
Critics universally panned the new film about the famous cat and mouse duo across every aspect of production. Reviewers criticized the release for excessively bright animation, an uninspired storyline, and a complete lack of creativity, describing the project as annoying and unsuitable for viewing even for children.
Tom and Jerry originated as a series of theatrical slapstick animated shorts created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera in 1940. The franchise centers on the rival relationship between a cat and mouse. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes compiles critical responses to movies, where a score of zero percent signifies that not a single reviewer gave the title a positive assessment.
Critical reaction and reviewer commentary
Reviewers expressed strong disapproval of the feature, with one critic stating that audiences should never tolerate rubbish that takes their hard earned money and precious time. The same reviewer described the existence of the film as a complete injustice. Another critic noted that the spectacle would likely prove too confusing and incomprehensible even for children, adding that among parents, it would only appeal to the rare group that actively dislikes their own children.
A third reviewer remarked that watching the film was like simultaneously listening to the screams of a hyperactive child and being struck on the head by a tour guide demonstrating the wonders of the East. Another critic called the release a complete mess fit for nothing, noting that while other short animated films can be feature length, even children would have to be quite easy to please to get enjoyment from this release.
Plot details and character focus
Critics also highlighted that Tom and Jerry become secondary characters in their own movie. Reviewers noted that the main duo is pushed into the background by a crowd of poorly written newcomers who take up most of the screen time, making the events uninteresting.
The story opens with Tom and Jerry chasing each other through a museum hall. In one moment, they trigger an ancient compass that magically sends the characters into an entirely unfamiliar world. To survive and return to their usual way of life, the two rivals must join forces.
