The animation is up to standard. The story is good. The humor is very clever and plays into many classic stereotypes with the Jersey accent and is very clever, and the songs are Amazing
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
This has got to be the greatest movie I have ever seen. The music 10/10, Romance 10/10, Crab sex scene 10/10. Please show this movie to your kids.
Under the Boardwalk is a charming animated musical-comedy that brings a fresh twist to the classic tale of star-crossed lovers. Directed by David Soren (Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, Turbo) and co-written with Lorene Scafaria (Hustlers), the film transports audiences to the vibrant world beneath the Jersey Shore boardwalk. Here, two hermit crabs—Armen (voiced by Michael Cera), a land crab, and Ramona (Keke Palmer), a sea crab—embark on an unexpected journey that challenges their communities' deep-seated divisions.
Screen Rant
+1
Cartoon Brew
+1
IMDb
+2
Cartoon Brew
+2
Screen Rant
+2
Story and Themes
The narrative centers on the unlikely romance between Armen and Ramona, whose love defies the longstanding rivalry between their respective crab communities. When a storm sweeps them away from their homes, their adventure becomes a catalyst for unity and understanding. The film explores themes of acceptance, courage, and the importance of embracing differences, all while delivering a heartfelt and entertaining story suitable for all ages.
Cartoon Brew
Rotten Tomatoes
Animation and Visuals
The animation, produced by DNEG Animation (Nimona, Entergalactic), is visually stunning. The vibrant colors and detailed underwater scenes effectively capture the essence of the Jersey Shore, creating an immersive environment that complements the film's lively tone. The character designs are expressive and endearing, adding depth to the storytelling.
Cartoon Brew
Music and Soundtrack
The film's musical elements are a standout feature. Original songs composed by John Debney and Jonathan Sadoff, with lyrics by Sean Douglas, infuse the narrative with energy and emotion. The soundtrack, released as an EP by Sony Masterworks, features catchy tunes that enhance the film's themes and are likely to resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.
Wikipedia
Voice Cast and Performances
The voice cast delivers memorable performances that bring the characters to life. Keke Palmer and Michael Cera's chemistry adds authenticity to the central romance, while Bobby Cannavale, Russell Brand, and others provide strong supporting roles that enrich the film's dynamic. Their performances contribute to the film's overall warmth and appeal.
Screen Rant
Reception and Impact
Upon its limited theatrical release on October 27, 2023, followed by a video-on-demand debut on November 7, the film garnered positive audience reception, with an 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and strong reviews on platforms like IMDb and MovieTickets.com . Despite initial low expectations, Under the Boardwalk has emerged as a sleeper hit, particularly in international markets such as Brazil and Central America, where it topped Netflix's charts .
MovieTickets
+3
Cartoon Brew
+3
Screen Rant
+3
Screen Rant
Conclusion
Under the Boardwalk is a delightful addition to the animated film landscape. Its engaging story, vibrant animation, memorable music, and strong performances make it a must-watch for families and animation enthusiasts alike. The film's success underscores the enduring appeal of heartfelt storytelling and the universal desire for connection and understanding
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I’m very disappointed because of how Paramount treated this movie
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
It's a very good movie
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Nice movie, but the idea is not original because there are already a lot of movies about two groups fighting for some reason. The characters are very cute and also a great music selection.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
So much better than I was expecting. So cute! It looks so good, and moves so well. Very Premium. Well worth adding to the repeat viewing list for the whole family. Great animation, characters, unique setting. Lots to come back for.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
it’s a crab Romeo and Juliet story, sweet, really funny, amazing songs that made all of us sing along and we’ve watched it on repeat since it came out 🙌🏻 firm family favourite here
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Not the best animated film of the year, it's basically Romeo and Juliet with crabs. But characters and the themes are strong, and that more than makes up for it.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
A little feel good film for all the family to enjoy, great cast, amazing songs and even some emotional scenes which can bring a tear to the eye. This film was way better than I expected and I'm so glad i found it!