The Sea Beast (2022)

Directed by Chris Williams. Starring (voices) Karl Urban, Jared Harris, Zaris-Angel Hator, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Doon Mackichan, Jim Carter, Dan Stevens. [PG]

Familiar fantasy adventure has been cobbled together from a lot of other sources, from How to Train Your Dragon and “Moby Dick” to old-fashioned pirate yarns and kaiju beat-‘em-ups. Sea monster-hunter Jacob (Urban) and orphaned stowaway Maisie (Hator) learn that their colossal foes are misunderstood gentle giants, not the fearsome killers everyone presumes them to be, but it’s going to be hard to convince others of this discovery, especially grim, hardened Captain Crow (Harris). Doesn’t surrender to the crutch of off-kilter gags very often (there is a cute, little “pet” monster in the mix, however), and features the sort of bright, vivid animation style and mid-range thrills that appeal to younger viewers. There’s no reason why the story and message have to be cut entirely from well-worn sailcloth, though, and when all is said and done, the viewer is more likely to want to experience the spectacles that inspired it for an umpteenth time then replay this one anytime soon. Director Williams also has story, co-scripting, and co-producing credits.

58/100