The Tom & Jerry movie from 2021 has found new life on Netflix, despite being critically panned when it was released. Following the misadventures of its titular characters, the movie focuses on a wedding planner that hires Tom to get Jerry out of a New York City hotel before the big event. Criticisms of the movie included a lack of focus on the main duo and a thin story in the form of a wedding.
Now, Netflix has revealed that, despite Tom & Jerry's changes and critiques, the film climbed its way to Number 9 in the Top 10 movies in the US for the week of January 29 through February 4, 2024. It joins the likes of The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Orion in the Dark as some of the popular films that week. Despite not faring well with critics, it appears audiences are still having a good time.
While Rotten Tomatoes lists the critics score for the movie as 30%, the audience score is a surprising 82%, indicating a divide between both groups. According to audience reviews, the film was a lighthearted comedy that was fun for the whole family, even if there could have been a greater focus on its dynamic duo. While some criticized Tom & Jerry's cast for distracting from the pair, it's clear many viewers had an overall fondness for the comedy.
Due to the franchise's simple premise, it likely rose to the top of Netflix's charts because of its inoffensive slapstick humor. A staple of the series, the movie has multiple sequences where Tom is humorously injured in elaborate ways as he tries to catch Jerry. Because of how big a focus this brand of comedy has in the film, it's likely that some families watched the movie together.
Due to its decades-long history, Tom & Jerry could also have grown popular due to nostalgia from older audiences. Perhaps some viewers wanted to see how the series was updated in the modern era, and how it fared in comparison to the original cartoons. No matter the exact reason for its renewed popularity, the film's Netflix success shows how much popularity the duo still have after so many years.
The first Tom & Jerry cartoon was released in 1940. The franchise has since entertained audiences with its classic cat-and-mouse chase, captivating generations of viewers. The combination of Tom's relentless pursuit of Jerry and Jerry's clever and mischievous antics has become a timeless formula for comedy.
In the 2021 movie, the iconic duo takes their escapades to the bustling streets of New York City. While some critics felt that the movie lacked focus on Tom and Jerry themselves, many audience members thoroughly enjoyed the lighthearted comedy that offered entertainment for the whole family.
The slapstick humor, featuring Tom's comical injuries as he attempts to capture Jerry, remained a hallmark of the franchise and added to the film's appeal. It's no surprise that this inoffensive and light-hearted humor resonated well with viewers, solidifying the movie's success on Netflix.
Furthermore, the enduring popularity of Tom & Jerry can be attributed to its nostalgic value. Older audiences may have been eager to see how the beloved characters were adapted for the modern era, comparing the new film to the original cartoons that captured their hearts. This nostalgic connection to the franchise may have contributed to the movie's renewed popularity.
In the end, the success of the Tom & Jerry movie on Netflix, despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, showcases the enduring charm and appeal of these iconic characters. Their timeless antics and slapstick humor continue to captivate audiences, whether through nostalgic appreciation or as a new introduction to the classic duo.
So, whether you're a fan of the original cartoons or simply looking for a light-hearted and family-friendly comedy, the Tom & Jerry movie from 2021 on Netflix might just be the perfect choice for an entertaining movie night.
