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Terkel in Trouble (2004)

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From Time Out London

‘Lost in translation’ would be the kindest assumption a British viewer could make about this CG animated feature – and they’d probably be right. A hit in its native Denmark, it delighted audiences already familiar with the radio play and vocal talents of stand-up comedian Anders Matthesen, who did all of the voices in the un-dubbed release. Johnny Vegas, Bill Bailey and others have been drafted in for this English version, which tells of bullied schoolkid Terkel, who’s also troubled by an alcoholic uncle and distant parents. Some of the schoolyard shenanigans are reasonably well observed – the scraps, flirtations and desire to act cool should strike a chord – but the attempts to introduce ‘South Park’-style humour jar unpleasantly with the otherwise affable tone (rather than being shockingly funny, they’re just shocking). The animation is slick, but when it comes to both narrative and humour it’s hard to imagine who will appreciate this outside of Scandinavia, save perhaps the odd young boy desperate for a sick joke.

Author: Anna Smith

Time Out London Issue 1880: August 30-September 6 2006

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User reviews of this film

Ian forsyth said...

Posted on Sep 27 2007 16:59 not sure how this got reviewed so badly!
dark dark European humour at it's best i.m.o. (& I'm not a young boy desperate for a sick joke) Yes it does cut very close to the knuckle - it does work in a south park way to a degree - but possibly in a more realistic way - the bullied do suffer the consequences - without the obligatory 'american pie' changes of attitude in the bullies, the director has a very real link to childhood schoolground / home life reality - some truly great charcters and matching voices - and most importantly laugh out loud side splitting gut wrenching humour.

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