Short Take: The phrase comes from the film industry, originally, and it means a short bit of recording or “something that only takes a short time,” especially if a longer version may be done later.
Short Take review: A short review of a film with potential discussion points
⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5)
Summary: Freddy Lupin (Ilai Swindells) returns to screens. Things haven’t changed in his world as he yearns to join the family werewolf pack on their heroic adventures. As the ‘pink poodle’ of the family, he tends to find himself on the outside looking in to join the pack as they do all they can to protect the community. His friend Batty (Samara Weaving) tries to convince him to be satisfied with his role in the family, but her words fall on deaf ears. Freddy tries to reach out to the cosmic lunar order, the beings to bequeath powers to the wolf pack and unintentionally draws a moon sprite named Moonpoo (Elizabeth Nabben) to Earth. Even though the teen is given his wish to become a wolf, the sprite is left stranded unless Freddy and his friends beseech the sorceress, Max (Jennifer Saunders), to help get their new friend home to the moon. Yet, this magical connection may open the door to more problems than solutions for the young wolf.
Review: The original children’s werewolf tale from Australian author Jayne Lyons was an innovative journey that turned the narrative of these creatures upside down. As an endearing story of the importance of contentment, healthy identity and family ties, 100% Wolf was a fantastic option for families. The next chapter attempts to tap into the magical elements of the origins of the Lupin family. Still, it loses itself as it travels into the jungles of cursed creatures and dark magic. Some references to Lilo & Stitch and other Disney characters make this chapter less innovative and more contrived. Despite the talent of Jennifer Saunders as the villainous, revenge-seeking lycanthrope, the process of getting Moonpoo back to the moon becomes exceptionally laborious. The lethargic pace will tax the patience of the young ones in the audience. 200% Wolf may attempt to double down on Jayne Lyons’ family-friendly werewolf adventure but fails to capture the magic of Freddy’s initial journey or transform this story into something for families to enjoy.
What should parents know about 200% Wolf? Freddy Lupin’s origin story captures the same tone of Hotel Transylvania as it changes werewolves from villains to heroes. Also, as the teen struggles with being differently-abled than the rest of this family, Jayne Lyons introduces a narrative of being satisfied with how you are made. Unfortunately, 200% Wolf takes an original approach to mystical characters and turns it into a messy tale that may scare younger viewers and prove to be an unnecessarily complex story for each to follow. There are elements of magic and spirituality that may cause some parents to be apprehensive about taking the kids out to the cinema to see this pink poodle and his friends. Instead, it might be worth discovering the first chapter and enjoying a good night at home.
Topics for consideration: Contentedness, family and friendship
