Luck (2022) Review: A Magical Journey Through the World of Fortune

In a world where luck dictates much of our lives, the animated film Luck (2022) explores this fascinating concept through the lens of a heartfelt, visually stunning, and adventure-filled story. Directed by Peggy Holmes and produced by Skydance Animation, this Apple TV+ exclusive offers a delightful mix of comedy, fantasy, and emotion, making it a compelling watch for audiences of all ages.

Synopsis: A Girl’s Quest for Good Fortune

The story follows Sam Greenfield (voiced by Eva Noblezada), an 18-year-old girl who seems to be the unluckiest person in the world. From broken alarm clocks to missed buses and spilled drinks, Sam’s life is a constant series of mishaps. After aging out of the foster care system, she struggles to adjust to independent living while trying to help her best friend Hazel, a younger girl still in the foster home, find her own “forever family.”

One day, Sam’s luck takes a turn when she stumbles upon a lucky penny, which momentarily grants her good fortune. However, her streak is short-lived as she accidentally loses the penny down a sewer drain. Desperate to retrieve it, she follows a mysterious black cat named Bob (voiced by Simon Pegg) and finds herself in the secret Land of Luck, a magical realm where good and bad luck are produced and distributed to the human world.

The Enchanting World of Luck

One of the film’s standout elements is the mesmerizing Land of Luck. Designed with a rich, vibrant aesthetic, this realm is divided into two halves: the dazzling, utopian Good Luck side and the chaotic, unpredictable Bad Luck side. The film does an excellent job of building this world, from the whimsical creatures who manage the flow of fortune to the elaborate bureaucratic systems governing luck distribution. Every visual detail enhances the fantasy, making it an engaging setting for both children and adults.

Bob, the Scottish-accented cat, serves as Sam’s reluctant guide in this world. Together, they embark on a mission to find another lucky penny, leading them through various departments of the Land of Luck, including the Luck Distribution Center, the Bad Luck Repository, and the Fortune Factory. Along the way, they encounter charming and eccentric characters like The Dragon (Jane Fonda), the elegant CEO of the Land of Luck, and Jeff the Unicorn (Flula Borg), a high-energy engineer working in the Good Luck division.

Themes of Perseverance and Self-Discovery

At its core, Luck is more than just a whimsical adventure; it carries a meaningful message about resilience and self-acceptance. Sam, having lived a life filled with unfortunate events, learns to navigate obstacles without relying on external luck. Her journey highlights the idea that while luck may play a role in life, determination, optimism, and kindness ultimately shape one’s destiny. The film also emphasizes the balance of good and bad experiences, reinforcing that struggles are a natural and essential part of growth.

Stellar Voice Cast and Character Dynamics

The film boasts a talented voice cast that brings its characters to life with warmth and humor. Eva Noblezada delivers a sincere and relatable performance as Sam, making her struggles and triumphs emotionally resonant. Simon Pegg’s Bob is both witty and endearing, his Scottish charm adding depth to the character. Jane Fonda’s Dragon exudes a regal yet compassionate presence, while Whoopi Goldberg as The Captain of Good Luck adds a touch of authority and wisdom.

The chemistry between Sam and Bob is particularly engaging, providing both comedic and heartfelt moments. Their evolving friendship—starting from mutual skepticism to genuine care—adds emotional weight to the story. Secondary characters like Jeff the Unicorn and Rootie (Colin O’Donoghue), the leprechaun manager of Bad Luck, further enrich the narrative with humor and unique personalities.

Visuals and Animation: A Feast for the Eyes

Skydance Animation delivers breathtaking visuals, with fluid animation, detailed environments, and vibrant color palettes that bring the Land of Luck to life. The Good Luck and Bad Luck worlds contrast beautifully, reinforcing their thematic differences. From the gleaming, golden hues of fortune to the chaotic, dark tones of misfortune, the artistry enhances the storytelling. The character designs are expressive, ensuring that even the non-human entities feel relatable and dynamic.

Music and Soundtrack

The film’s score, composed by John Debney, complements the narrative with a whimsical and uplifting orchestration. The music effectively transitions between moments of adventure, comedy, and emotional depth, enhancing the overall experience. The sound design is equally impressive, from the mechanical whirring of the Luck factory to the subtle magical sparkles that accompany good fortune.

Strengths and Standout Moments

• Imaginative World-Building: The Land of Luck is a creatively constructed universe that feels fresh and original.
• Strong Emotional Core: The story carries an uplifting message about perseverance and finding one’s own path.
• Memorable Characters: Bob the cat, The Dragon, and Jeff the Unicorn add charm and humor.
• Breathtaking Animation: Visually stunning sequences make the film a joy to watch.

Potential Weaknesses

While Luck is an enjoyable film, it does have minor drawbacks. The plot follows a relatively familiar structure, and some of the comedic beats feel predictable. Additionally, certain rules within the Land of Luck’s mechanics could have been explored in greater depth, as some aspects remain vague. However, these are minor issues that don’t significantly detract from the overall experience.

Final Verdict: A Heartwarming Animated Adventure

Luck (2022) is a delightful and visually enchanting animated film that combines humor, heart, and imagination. While its story may follow familiar beats, the charming characters, stunning animation, and uplifting message make it a worthwhile watch for families and animation lovers alike. The film encourages viewers to embrace both good and bad moments in life, reinforcing that resilience and kindness matter more than pure luck.

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Final Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

For those who love animated adventures filled with heartwarming messages, Luck is a great choice. It may not reinvent the wheel, but it offers a magical escape into a world where fortune and misfortune collide in the most entertaining way possible.