Thelma the Unicorn (2024) User Reviews

Not bad

[Escafil · 5/10 · 22 May 2024]

I thought this movie was fun. It's predictable, but I thought some of the jokes were funny. The overall message is nice. Just be yourself and do what's true to you.

Nothing was too annoying, although I think the animation can get a little too exaggerated. What I can describe as "melty" or "bloated", it can border on painful or gross to watch at those moments, but that goes for the new trends in 3D animated kids movies. Yet the animation is nice, looks better than I was expecting.

There was a frequent joke character that was a "furry/therian" type character that I thought was poor taste. In a movie full of talking animals that are the same as people in their world, having a "ha ha, look at the weird gross therian guy" felt mean and unaware.

Some jokes were funny and referenced modern things in a decent way. The character designs for most characters were decent, and I like seeing a stubby pony and donkey protagonist.

I do feel like these stories almost need another angle at being yourself. Every character that presents a different way has another side that was their base self that is "true", suggesting anything beyond your normal self is fake. But people can be more dress up or change greatly, while still being true to themselves, if not more so.

Overall, I think kids will enjoy it and adults will find it a slightly entertaining background movie. Sure better than 95% of Illumination movies.

Simple Fun

[ASuiGeneris · 6/10 · 17 May 2024]

Glitter, fantasy, pink, unicorns. Check, check, check, check. Another film about staying true to who you are; having fun while doing it! Yes, there are plenty of predictable cliches here, but a fun watch for some distraction. As long as you are you expecting any in depth meaning with lasting emotional influence. Not to say there are not good lessons and themes played on throughout the film, but they are not presented in any way that we have not all seen before. It is based on characters in the book by Aaron Blabey, actually two books. Blabey also did The Bad Guys, highly recommended books + film. These illustrated children's books do indeed follow the same general truth for adult's books- namely, that books are almost always better than the film!

Cute but if you're a fan of the book you'll be a little disappointed

[missleahazzopardi · 7/10 · 23 May 2024]

As a huge fan of Aaron Blabey's original books it keeps the core messaging of "be yourself" but changes how Thelma is revealed which is no where near as touching or meaningful as the original story.

The extra characters are funny and the secondary story of the rival singer feel like filler vs actually being a pivotal plot point which again takes away from the power of the core message the books conveyed perfectly.

On the whole is modern and bright and my kids loved it so it gets a pass for the underlying "just be yourself" but I would have preferred it more aligned to the books.

Alas Aaron Blabey signed off so it is what it is.

fine for the kids

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 21 May 2024]

Thelma the pony, Otis the donkey, and Reggie the llama are lowly farm animals who dream of becoming rock stars as The Rusty Buckets. They try to get into SparklePalooza, but are dismissed by the judges before they even start playing. A carrot and accidental glittering gives Thelma a new look and newfound popularity.

This is a simple Netflix animated movie for the kiddies. Adults will probably get bored with this derivative story. I do like the start although it is a bit short. The movie never surprises once it gets on the tracks. I would have liked staying on the farm and make this about the farm hierarchy. This is fine... for the kids.

Can be relatable to some. Cute & Fun family movie.

[sisubalan · 7/10 · 22 May 2024]

That was cute. Love the animation style and the quality which reminds me of many other Netflix's Animation Original Movies. A great number of characters and I love the world building aspect of this movie.

For me, Otis was the most likeable due to his few beautiful dialogues with Thelma. But Thelma was undeniably the main character of this movie and can relate to many people as she was feeling insecure despite being so talented.

The storyline and progression itself were cute and very family oriented. The mood setup was bright and very welcoming to watch. Few references to the LGBTQ+ community, which were cute and appreciated.

Great original songs and kudos to the voice casts for their compelling performances. Recommended.

Am I the only one that didn't like it?

[TheMysteriousReviewer · 4/10 · 20 May 2024]

I'm sorry to say this but even as someone that loves rock music, this one was honestly not good. Thelma The Unicorn is just nothing but a bland kids movie that misses the mark of music representation badly. Maybe not something horrible with the okay animation, but that won't make up for an uninspiring story that pushes down on its moral of being yourself, annoying characters, easily forgettable songs, an obnoxious pop musical number that I'm glad would never make the radio, a childish logic of humans and animals in the same society, and comedy that can be odd and kinda non-existent. I honestly would say that the kids would be more suitable so that they can enjoy the talking animals and the unicorn herself. Other than that, even if you are a music fan, I don't really think this will be worth your time. There are movies out there like Almost Famous and School of Rock that do a better job with the music representation. I really gave this a chance and hoped to be something worth watching considering that the book it was based on is the same author as The Bad Guys. But I guess maybe that has the much better materials to be something great. So if you really want to be someone special, don't be a unicorn. Be a bad guy.

Cute!

[superfox_888 · 6/10 · 19 May 2024]

It's hard to turn a 5 minute picture book into 90 minutes of film, but Thelma the Unicorn will (probably) keep little kids entertained.

Of course there's an overarching message of being who you are etc, filled in with interesting moments about the culture of celebrity, the cult of fame, and how your favourite stars are carefully curated with marketing. As an adult and well out of the target demographic, this was the most interesting part of the film. My kid, aged 9, is a bit too old for it too but having grown up with the book, she wanted to see it. And she loved it!

Recommended for the under 10s.

You may have noticed

[jackhallamprice · 3/10 · 19 May 2024]

The balding, middle aged German unicorn-fan featured throughout the movie has self harm scars on their arms. Interesting artistic choice and I am curious as to the reasoning behind that one. Otherwise a generic film with a good message of self acceptance for kids but ultimately makes me want more creative and original films for our children to enjoy. The golden age of Disney comes to mind with films like Aladdin and Toy Story having unique premises that are equally enjoyable for adults. This film might serve best as mindless schlock to put on with your children but I regret committing to watching this film in it's entirety.

Blame it on the rain

[raben-81146 · 7/10 · 18 May 2024]

Thelma is a pony that works on a farm with her humans she talks with that are Equestriua Girls Sweet Apple Acres like, as Thelma wants to be an famous singer. One day an truck spills paint on Thelma with an carrot on her head, and she becomes an unicorn. Thelma takes the world by storm with her songs, but an narwhale star are not amused. There are many movies about ficitive and famous musicians rising up like Eurovision Fire Saga, Tommy Seebach and Amadeus. You have seen it all before like the country girl becoming an star, but the animation is amazing from the fur to the stage effects and the songs could get some runners up at the Oscars this Winter. If you love indie Netflix comedies this is for you.

Very enjoyable and weird at the same time

[limpnickjones-42744 · 8/10 · 19 May 2024]

This movie will definitely keep you entertained for 1 hr and a half it's cute, very funny/weird, and charming animation. The characters are nice although the design and movements of some characters are questionable to say the least but that just adds to the comedic tone of this movie. The pace is very nice and it gets done what needs to get done. The songs are good, I don't think they're great, but it fits with this kind of movie. The animation isn't anything groundbreaking, but I thought the animation was better than I thought it was gonna be especially judging from the trailer, so that's nice.

So overall, I very fun film that, while not for everyone, will make you laugh and definitely keep you entertained for the time being.

Best animated movie in a while!

[lincolndemke · 10/10 · 17 May 2024]

Lemme start by saying I'm a huge fan of Jared Hess. I love all his work. I was excited to learn he was directing an animated movie as I love the Napoleon Dynamite animated series.

The music, the original songs were surprisingly fantastic. I was shocked that every single song was great which is rare for an animated musical. Brittany Howard has a perfect voice for Thelma.

The plot and pacing was strong, with good character development without ever feeling boring and the theme carries a powerful feel good message

This movie features voice acting from many of Hess' past stars like Zach Galifianakis, Will Forte, Jemaine Clement, and John Heder, all of who add a nostalgic touch to the film. Clement's Vic Diamond was hilarious and reminded me of the Colonel from Baz Lurhman's Elvis.

Conclusion, this movie was a refreshing and unique entry into the streaming world and I really enjoyed it. It's funny and entertaining for kids and adults alike, and I hope you get to watch it.

Thanks for reading.

Uplifter

[luxinfinity-81983 · 10/10 · 21 May 2024]

This film will fill you up with joy. Great music, songs, voice actors, flawless animation with a touch of magic. We all dream of becoming popular for one reason or another but what price are you willing to pay for your popularity? Thelma is here to remind us that we are beautiful just the way we are! When you believe in yourself, the rest of the world will believe in you too! The colorful narration takes you on a different dimension where everybody has her/his own peculiar personality ... far from standardised perfection but so uniquely brilliant. This is not just a movie for kids but a little gem for all!

Fun for the whole family

[dks79 · 10/10 · 18 May 2024]

Just watched with the kids and we LOVED it! We really hope there will be a second movie based on the ending.....Otis the Pegasus. The theme is amazing and easy to follow for little ones. We will definitely watch again and again. The previews were what drew us to watching in the first place. They were cute and didn't give away the story. Be kind to others but even more so be kind to yourself. Also wasn't too long so kept both kids attention. This mama loved it too. Would recommend to anyone looking for something new and different with a nice story and cool tunes. There was a lot of dancing over here!! Check it out.

Could have been so much better but still a SOLID must watch.

[andreamben · 8/10 · 22 May 2024]

Such a great musical artist and plot that cloud have ended up a poignant, soulful, musical delight but fell just short. Instead it ended up playing out like every other corny, underdog storyline we've seen 100 times. Regardless, the music is great and it captivated the whole family; not to mention a few LOL moments! Worth the 90 minutes of our time for sure! All the unicorns we meet and own are now named Thelma. Brittany Howard is the perfect voice behind the character. Anyone who remembers the Alabama Shakes' rise to fame and the jaw-drop reaction we all had when we learned of the face behind voice, will absolutely love the parallels to Thelma's story! Lots of fun but misses out on some the feels it could have delivered.

Cats Don't Dance mixed with MLP

[calahao · 9/10 · 18 May 2024]

Thelma the Unicorn is about Thelma, a pony who dreams to be a singing star alongside her band. After an incident with ink, she's mistaken for a unicorn, and the plot runs with her journey of self-discovery and stardom.

The animation is rather interesting because for a movie with a whimsical premise it has rather caricaturesque character designs. This helps to sell that, despiste the protagonist being a pony, this isn't a standard MLP-esque fare, though little girls can learn a lot from this film.

Also, a narwhal villain is quite original.

Overall, a strong recommendation, particularly if you're into stardom plots.

Thelma the Unicorn: A Sparkling Tale of Self-Discovery and Acceptance

[shaunadam-39903 · 10/10 · 18 May 2024]

"Thelma the Unicorn" is a dazzling and heartwarming animated film that brilliantly captures the essence of identity, fame, and true happiness. Based on Aaron Blabey's beloved children's book, this movie takes viewers on a vibrant journey filled with humor, catchy tunes, and profound life lessons that resonate with both children and adults alike.

The story follows Thelma, an ordinary pony with dreams of becoming a glamorous unicorn. When a twist of fate turns her wish into reality, Thelma skyrockets to stardom, only to discover that the life of a celebrity isn't as perfect as it seems. The film masterfully balances whimsical fun with poignant moments, portraying Thelma's internal struggle and ultimate realization that being true to oneself is the greatest achievement.

Visually, "Thelma the Unicorn" is a feast for the eyes. The animation is stunningly colorful and imaginative, bringing Thelma's world to life in a way that is both enchanting and immersive. The character designs are charming and expressive, making Thelma an instantly lovable protagonist whose journey the audience is eager to follow.

The soundtrack features catchy and memorable songs that enhance the storytelling and add to the film's charm. The music perfectly complements the narrative's emotional highs and lows, ensuring that viewers are engaged from start to finish.

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its voice cast. The performances are top-notch, with each actor bringing depth and personality to their roles. The voice of Thelma, in particular, captures the character's innocence and determination, making her journey all the more relatable and impactful.

"Thelma the Unicorn" also excels in its thematic content. It delivers powerful messages about self-acceptance, the pitfalls of fame, and the importance of authenticity. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, providing valuable lessons without ever feeling preachy or heavy-handed.

In conclusion, "Thelma the Unicorn" is a cinematic gem that shines brightly with its delightful story, stunning visuals, and meaningful messages. It is a film that entertains and inspires, leaving a lasting impression on audiences of all ages. This movie is a must-watch and undoubtedly earns a perfect score for its exceptional storytelling and heartfelt execution.

So Cute

[moviesfilmsreviewsinc · 9/10 · 24 May 2024]

Netflix's "Thelma the Unicorn" is a humorous animated feature adaptation of the 2015 children's book by Aaron Blabey. The film follows a female pony, Thelma, who disguises herself as a magical creature to pursue musical stardom. The adaptation marks the animated feature debut for co-directors Jared Hess and Lynn Wang, who received an Oscar nomination for their handcrafted animated short "Ninety-Five Senses" about a Death Row inmate. Thelma betrays herself and those who truly know her, making it a far cry from the universe where humans coexist with talking animals. The film is a departure from the traditional animated series genre. "Thelma the Unicorn" is a computer-animated film directed by Brittany Howard and starring Otis and Reggie. The film tells the story of Thelma, a mischievous and mischievous animal who works at a farm with her bandmates Otis and Reggie. The Rusty Buckets, a band that has failed to qualify for a major music festival, becomes a sensation when Thelma transforms into a glittery pink fake unicorn. Viral video footage convinces unscrupulous manager Vic Diamond (Jemaine Clement), who seeks to transform Thelma into his next success. The film also leans towards a cynical parody of the music industry, with scenes involving Nikki Narwhal (Ally Dixon) and Vic discussing the perils of the business. Once signed with Vic, Thelma enters into a fabricated romance with a famous horse, and there's even a jab at artificial intelligence when a computer writes an idiotic hit single about cud. The visuals of "Thelma the Unicorn" are uninspired, with most human characters appearing as if they could be plugged into a "Despicable Me" movie without anyone noticing. The animals could walk on stage in "Sing" as if they had always belonged there. However, the Hess duo interject bizarre humor into their screenplay via background characters, giving us a glimpse into their inner lives. The collection of tangential moments rings more memorable than the core narrative and its obvious message. Although not as offbeat as last year's "Leo," "Thelma the Unicorn" has enough gutsy flourishes to redeem it.