((If you’re visually impaired and don’t want to use your screen reader’s mechanic voice, here’s an audio version of this post: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ybu6ET51130))
I didn’t watch any trailers, only saw a clip on insta that there’s a deaf character talking in sign language and knew: yep, I’m gonna watch this. I’ve only read the description and therefore wasn’t that eager for the romance, but was pleasantly surprised in the end.
Music
I didn’t expect it to be a musical. Not that it’s bad, but it caught me off-guard at the beginning, lol.
The songs were mostly pop, like a modern animation movie, similar to Dreamworks’ Teenage Kraken, which was relatively expected and am quite neutral about it.
On the other hand, they often felt amateur-ish. What I like, though! Similar vibes to Penelope’s song in Ralph breaks the internet – you know, her having been asked by the (musical) princesses what her song is, realizing she can’t really sing, but then finds her ✨reflection of water✨ and sings the song of her heart. I love these type of songs in musicals. Feels real and genuine.
Story & characters
Quite the basic animation movie for kids, I’d say: there’s a fight between two races/gangs, a romance that’s gonna save the day, after being on an adventure (trying to get back home after getting kidnapped) that let them get out of their shell (pun intended), and bullies learning their lesson, as well as parents realizing their kids ain’t kids anymore.
But this one had a modern, in a good way, aspect. Feminist and inclusive (unfortunately no Queerness (though it can be interpreted as queer-coded) but at least disability rep).
Most male crabs are typical males throughout the movie – always looking for a fight, only communicating with their fists, and trying to get the popular or most beautiful woman. However, the main characters (on the good side) also had a heart, especially the protagonist: shy, kinda awkward, overthinking everything and definitely not up for a fight. Fell in love at first sight (or first sound?), but makes sure to get to know her first before taking any further steps.
And the main supporting character realized that friendship is more important than a club fight. I loved his song – perfectly showed the struggle men, oppressed by the patriarchy, feel, not knowing how to cope with their emotions other than with fists. He used that energy to pursue peace, and that was a beautiful message.
I did tear up here and there.
And the animation quality is amazing.
Disabilities
Deaf
Ramona’s sister, Shelly, is deaf and uses sign language. Ramona and their (adoptive) mother perfectly understand her and occasionally talk in SL as well.
It only bothered me that Shelly mostly had to lip-read because neither her sister nor her mother were eager about using sign language, and during an argument also made her go “to her room” – which is probably because she’s too young for the convo, but it came off as if the producers didn’t want to animate any more sign language than that.
And then there was one moment where Shelly was about to explain the truth, but was constantly talked over, it made me furious!! Why didn’t she yell? Is she non-talking? But I hope non-deaf watchers will see this and get just as angry to see how extremely frustrating it is when you get cut off word, especially when you communicate differently than the norm.
Overall it’s good though, even the bullies apologized after just one remark.
I also loved that one character asking whether Shelly knows their deaf uncle. It’s a ‘meme’ that gays often hear; made me chuckle to hear it. Does that happen in the deaf community too or was that a reference to the ‘gay meme’?
Amputation
Armen’s uncle has one arm/claw, as he lost the other in a fight, which he later explains. One of the antagonists also loses a limb around the second half, and it’s not treated any differently. Similar to Httyd, which is cool.
Dizziness after being active
Sea crabs can’t stay very long on land, constantly need to be water sprayed or get in contact with water somehow else. As Ramona and Armen are stuck in a theme park, far away from the sea (for crabs’ legs distance), this adds a lot of moments where Ramona suddenly feels dizzy and weak until she gets some droplets of water onto her skin.
| Criteria | Scores | Our Score |
|---|---|---|
| Acting | 1-5 | 4 |
| Script | 1-5 | 3 |
| Cinematography | 1-5 | 4 |
| Soundtrack | 1-5 | 4 |
| Originality | 1-5 | 3 |
Finale Grade
B
Watched: 31st January 2025
~Arden Skye
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Written By: Arden Skye
Favorite game/film/book: doesn’t have one, cause there are too many good ones!
About: generalist, who likes a bit of everything, but especially has a love for magic, queerness and melancholy. When they’re not arting, they’re probably dreaming/reading through another world, or spending time in nature with their dog.
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