Terkel in Trouble

‘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.