Somehow, it felt too long and too short. Arlo's plenty developed on his own, but the naive newcomer attitude leaves him feeling a little bit of a broken record. Bertie's reluctance or resistance to becoming friends with the others comes off more as apathy to every situation she's in, she feels no urgency even to the very end. And unfortunately, not a lot of time is dedicated to the other freaks to give them a real sense of identity beyond jokes. They're not given real backstories or lore beyond the fish man, who might be the most interesting because his backstory and humor connects to his hatred of children. Scenes with the gator hunters always feel repetitive, learning what we already know without a lot of spunk to keep you from skipping the scenes.
And his decision to join this new family of outcasts feels almost rushed, beyond them helping Arlo, it feels like there's no connection to the cast of freaks beyond bare kindness and sympathy. Arlo's sweet attitude almost makes it impossible for him to joke or interact with the cast beyond asking what something is and how to get to New York.
His father was actually more interesting than I expected, despite the reveal of him abandoning Arlo in the sewers beyond almost glossed over by the boy- since he was more focused on finding out of the man was his dad. The name on his baby hospital tag should've been enough- the question of the movie shouldn't have been are you my dad, but will you be my dad.
Also, three minors living together with three older adults? Feels a little strange, even for a cast of freaks.
The Tiger girl is useless, she has no character beyond cat jokes.
And his decision to join this new family of outcasts feels almost rushed, beyond them helping Arlo, it feels like there's no connection to the cast of freaks beyond bare kindness and sympathy. Arlo's sweet attitude almost makes it impossible for him to joke or interact with the cast beyond asking what something is and how to get to New York.
His father was actually more interesting than I expected, despite the reveal of him abandoning Arlo in the sewers beyond almost glossed over by the boy- since he was more focused on finding out of the man was his dad. The name on his baby hospital tag should've been enough- the question of the movie shouldn't have been are you my dad, but will you be my dad.
Also, three minors living together with three older adults? Feels a little strange, even for a cast of freaks.
The Tiger girl is useless, she has no character beyond cat jokes.