“Smallfoot” (PG)

Director Karey Kirkpatrick and actor Channing Tatum fill some very big shoes with the animated family adventure “Smallfoot,” a clever film that flips the script on Bigfoot/Yeti lore and as a result, instantly puts itself for the Best Animated Feature running during this year’s awards season.

For generations, of course, tall tales have bee spun by humans about the mythical creature Bigfoot and the questioning of its existence, and as it turns out, in the world of the Yeti, similar tales have been going on, but that creatures with small feet – aka humans – exist.

AUDIO: Click to hear Tim’s review of “Smallfoot” with Tom Barnard on “The KQ Morning Show.”

The problem is, when a Yeti named Migo (Tatum) who sees a “smallfoot” and tells his village about it, no one believes him, so he’s banished for not telling the truth. To right the ship, Migo treks to the base of the Himalayas to get evidence that the Smallfoot exists so he can be accepted back into society. But even if does, there are more unanticipated roadblocks in the big, fuzzy creature’s way.

The entire voice cast excels in “Smallfoot,” from Tatum, James Corden and Zendaya to Danny DeVito,  Common and yes, even NBA star LeBron James in a supporting role.  Naturally, with Zendaya and Common involved, the film even boasts a few tunes, including some with the participation of Tatum.

Not surprisingly animation animation veteran Kirkpatrick deliver  gorgeous animation, and housed without is a film loaded with fast action is fast, fun setups and an heartfelt narrative that will play for both kids and adults. For a film with the word small as part of the title, “Smallfoot” leaves big impressions.

Lammometer: 8.5 (out of 10)

Tim Lammers reviews movies weekly for The KQ92 Morning Show,” “KARE 11 News at 11” (NBC), WCCO Radio, WJON-AM, KLZZ-FM, “The Tom Barnard Podcast” and “The BS Show” with Bob Sansevere.

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