Entergalactic

Though I enjoy some types of music, I'm not really a fan of rap. Animation on the other hand is another of my favourites. So a movie that blends animation with rap music wasn't exactly what I expected when I came across Entergalactic (2022). I almost dismissed it as one of those animated movies made for children until I read the synopsis.

Created by American rapper and actor Kid Cudi, Entergalactic is an adult animated musical romantic comedy that visually brings to life Kid Cudi’s album of the same name. It stars the voices of Jessica Williams, Scott Mescudi, Timothée Chalamet, Vanessa Hudgens, Teyana Taylor, Christopher Abbott, Macaulay Culkin, Jaden Smith and other well-known actors and music artists.

The story focuses on Jabari (Kid Cudi), a young artist, who has finally landed his dream job creating a comic book based on his graffiti character, Mr Rager. His career is moving in the right direction, his friends are always around and his apartment gives him the scenic view of New York. His life looks good on the outside until Meadow (Jessica Williams) moves into the apartment across from his own.

Meadow is a photographer with her own creative ambitions. The attraction between her and Jabari is almost immediate but there is one problem. Jabari is already involved with someone else and Meadow has her own complicated romantic history. Their connection develops with some hesitation. What begins as causal friendship gradually becomes something deeper, forcing them to figure out what they actually want.

The story does not pile on endless twists or turn itself into a complicated romantic drama. Instead it spends the entire ninety-two minutes running time showing two people learn from each other, make mistakes and decide whether a relationship is worth disrupting the comfortable lives they created.

Review And Rating.

If there's an animated movie that takes you into a late night city filled with music from every corner, glowing neon lights, stylish apartments and beautiful people wrapped in the warmth of a love story, it is Entergalactic. With a unique visual style that reminds me of the Spiderverse films, mixed with the charm of a romcom and none of the usual action, this movie introduces us to a dreamlike Manhattan which feels like we are stepping into a moving piece of art.

The animation is one of the things I love about this movie. It has this beautiful mix of comic book art and street art which fits Jabari perfectly since he started out as a graffiti artist before becoming a comic book creator. It feels like we are seeing New York through his eyes with little touches of the other artists’ styles. Every scene with the vibrant colours, character designs and dreamy atmosphere is a work of art.

I am not familiar with Cudi’s music but I like that this animated film beautifully visualises his released album. It tells simple stories using art work, easy words and the emotions from each character will make you understand the whole plot of the animation without being bored.

The voice work of this animation was excellently done. Aside from Cudi voicing Jabari, none of the actors’ voices stood out to me. It was only after I read the cast online that I realised voices like Macaulay Culkin, Jaden Smith and other familiar names were part of the movie. Involving famous musicians in this animation is simply the best decision. Kid Cudi, Jayden Smith and Ty Dollar voiced their characters perfectly. Also, the characters can easily grow on you because they are fun to watch and with notable presence throughout the film.

Also, this animation is not only about the romance and visuals but underneath all these there is a story/message about pursuing your passion, not giving up. I like that Kid Cudi naturally mixes romance with conversations about adulthood in this movie. Jabari and Meadow are both trying to figure out their careers, friendships and identities. Their lives are not perfect like some romcom depict and somehow love has to find space among all these things.

Jabari is an interesting character caught between two versions of himself. He wants success but also wants freedom. His relationship with Meadow helps him figure things out. I like that she does not exist simply to become his love interest. She has to deal with her own work, personality and view of the world.

Lastly, let's not forget about the soundtracks. The music fits the visual style perfectly. It gives this film the feeling of an extended music video and thankfully the story does not disappear into the soundtrack. The songs help establish the mood and make the whole experience feel smooth and immersive.

Rating this movie, I’d give it 8.5 out of 10 stars. It's a fantastic and enjoyable adult animation that can be watched in a nice, relaxed mood. There are steamy scenes in it so it's not advised that children watch it.

All images above are from the movie screenshots

Poster image source

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