Opened: July 15, 2022

Directed by: Rob Minkoff, Mark Koetsier & Chris Bailey

Starring: Michael Cera, Samuel L. Jackson, Ricky Gervais, Mel Brooks, George Takei, Aasif Mandvi, Gabriel Iglesias, Djimon Hounsou, Kylie Kuioka, Cathy Shim & Michelle Yeoh

Despite a lot of shortcomings, there’s something about Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank – an animated retelling of Blazing Saddles – that’s charming.

Hank (Michael Cera) is a dog that wants to become a samurai in Kakamucho, where only cats are allowed. He’s taken on by sensei Jimbo (Samuel L. Jackson), but they don’t know that the evil landlord Ika Chu (Ricky Gervais) is trying to destroy Kakamucho.

The comedy falls in line with Mel Brooks’ classic style and contains many self-aware jokes that break the fourth wall. Unfortunately, the jokes will be better understood by adults than kids. However, the animation is more geared towards children, so it’s hard to understand who the target audience is.

The voice cast is brilliant, but no one other than Jackson gives much to their characters.

Final say: Hasn’t found its footing. ★★★☆☆