Animated films about talking animals are a staple of the genre and probably one of the most appropriate applications since instructing real creatures to perform to script can be difficult. However this symbiosis does not immediately generate a good film or engaging storytelling; that requires a capable creative team to develop the characters and plot that utilize rather than rely on this relationship. Cute animals can’t just depend on their looks — they require substance to earn the audience’s attention. Norm of the North is based on an interesting concept, but it feels a little sloppy.
The polar bear is king of the North Pole. The crown was passed from Norm’s grandfather (Colm Meaney) to his father and one day the elder bear believes it will be passed on to Norm (Rob Schneider). But the royal successor has a unique gift in that he can speak human. Unhappily, this ability has been somewhat of a curse that’s made him a bit of an outsider amongst his friends and family. But when a real estate development company threatens to ruin their home with an encroaching housing development, Norm may be the only one who can stop it. He hitches a ride to New York with three lemmings to pose as the mascot for the real estate company in an effort to defeat the greedy Mr. Greene (Ken Jeong).
Within the first 10 minutes of the film, Norm is dancing up a storm with the “Arctic shake” and using gimmicks to gain the audience’s favour. It becomes quite clear early on that this isn’t going to be one of those clever cartoons that appeal to viewers of all ages. Norm does a lot of goofy stuff throughout the narrative, including posing as a bearskin rug, soothing a scrumptious seal to sleep and performing for tourists. Norm keeps his real identity a secret, impersonating a very dedicated and convincing actor in a bear suit. In this capacity, he befriends the marketing rep with mixed emotions about the development (Heather Graham) and her brainy daughter who puts all the pieces together on her own (Maya Kay). And since Norm’s plan involves turning public opinion against the project, much of the picture is him doing things that first make people like him; i.e. a lot of cutesy pandering.
Unfortunately for Norm, he is consistently outshined by his lemming buddies. The supposedly indestructible little furballs are by far the most entertaining aspect of the movie. They’re industrious and willing to do anything to help, from allowing Norm to use their teeth to scale the side of a building to distracting a chatty secretary with a spa treatment to repeatedly electrocuting themselves as required. They’re simply adorable and their teamwork is admirable.
The idea of a real talking polar bear is a good one, but it’s never really a central factor in this narrative since Norm spends most of the time pretending to be human.
Director: Trevor Wall
Starring: Rob Schneider, Heather Graham and Ken Jeong
