‘Swapped’ Review: Michael B. Jordan and Juno Temple Lend Their Voices to Netflix’s Minor Animated Charmer

There have been so many movies about human body swapping, so why not one about animals? That, at least, seems to be the rationale behind Netflix’s new animated film that rehashes a formula all too familiar to kids too young to appreciate the likes of Freaky Friday. Unfortunately, they weren’t the first out of the gate, since it had a very similar theme Hoppers He beat them to the punch months ago. However, swap The film has its charm, including gorgeous animation and Michael B. Jordan’s first on-screen performance since his Oscar win Sinners. (Sorry ladies, it’s just his voice.)

Directed by Nathan Greenough in his first feature film since 2010 tangledthe movie (original title Poco) takes place in a rural “valley”, where creatures do not necessarily exist in harmony. Case in point: small forest creatures known as “Pookoos,” which resemble small sea otters, and large birds called “Javans,” which resemble a cross between an owl and a parrot.

The story’s hero is Ollie (Jordan), a very curious young Pookoo who spends his days exploring the valley, even packing a small snorkel so he can check out underwater life. After being nearly eaten by a big fish for his troubles, Ollie is scolded by his angry parents (Cedric the Entertainer, an expert at conveying discontent, and Justina Machado). “Don’t get off the island!” They scold their son, adding their motto: “Hide today, live tomorrow!”

Ollie also has a grandmother (Tata Vega), who tells him the cautionary tale about the “Fire Wolf,” which viewers are advised to pay attention to since she figures prominently in the story later on.

One day, Ollie encounters three Javanese, sisters who for some reason speak with a British accent. Among them is Ivy (Juno Temple), with whom Ollie has a history, having once innocently taught her the secret trick to unlocking seeds. Somehow, he and Ivy end up switching bodies after falling into a “glow pod”, and despite their natural animosity, are forced to team up in a fight to survive. Along the way, they team up with Boogle, a lovable fish (Tracy Morgan).

Being a children’s film, you can rest assured of that swap He has a valuable message to convey, a message regarding the virtues of harmony between species. After Ollie and Ivy briefly transform into fish, for example (don’t ask), they have to join forces with Boogle to become a “big fish” so it can swim over a waterfall. But the film never becomes heavy-handed in its themes, thanks to its brisk pacing, frequent doses of humor, and countless plot twists, including ones that could be classified as crazy.

The computer animation of the green areas looks beautiful, which makes one wish for it swap It was getting more than just a token theatrical release, while the character designs provide more than enough appeal. While Jordan and Temple are more than adequate in their engaging vocal roles, it is Morgan who steals the film with his committed and highly entertaining turn as the fish above his gills. The actor, who looks almost cartoon-like in real life, will have to do more voice work in the cartoon.