‘Sneaks’ Review: Sneakerhead Culture Gets Animated in Pedestrian Kiddie Feature

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In “Sneaks,” my very first auditory impressions are reminiscent of the vibrant chaos that only New York City can offer – the subway announcements, local banter, and the relentless hum of the bustling streets serve as the earthy backdrop for this heartwarming tale of friendship, eccentric characters, and community. Unlike the worlds depicted in “Cars” and “Planes,” this animated feature by directors Rob Edwards and Christopher Jenkins is more akin to the enchanting realms of “Brave Little Toaster” and “Toy Story.” This film masterfully intertwines human drama with the tale of two unique, anthropomorphized sneakers, lost from each other and their teenage owner. Though its plot conflicts may be overly simplistic for tweens and adults, it offers enough thematic depth to resonate with children, exploring themes such as finding one’s purpose and the courage to live beyond expectations.

15-year-old Edson (spoken by Swae Lee), who works at the community youth center and enjoys playing basketball, finds that his current shoes are no longer suitable for his activities. They’re worn out and torn, making it difficult for him to pursue his ambitions of becoming a sports prodigy and winning over Vanessa (Amira Hall). However, luck strikes when he wins a raffle at the sneaker convention, receiving a stunning new pair of shoes: the highly sought-after Alchemy 24’s, adorned with diamonds, white leather, and gold laces. These designer sneakers have distinct personalities – the right shoe is named Ty (Anthony Mackie) and it longs to be displayed. On the other hand, the left shoe goes by Maxine (Chloe Bailey) and yearns to be used for practical purposes.

Due to their scarcity, these high-end sneakers capture the interest of a collector named Laurence Fishburne and his aggressive bulldog Mercury. They’re eager to own them, going so far as to steal them from Edson’s apartment, leaving him dejected. The Collector is hoping that these will appease the increasing demands of his powerful overlord, Roddy Ricch, who has secretive intentions. However, while transporting the stolen goods, Maxine escapes, causing Ty to be separated from his sibling with no prospect of reuniting. That is until a cunning sneaker dealer named Martin Lawrence offers assistance to Ty in finding his sister. This unlikely duo embarks on a city-wide journey, encountering various types of footwear and overcoming challenges along the way.

As a fervent admirer of this production, I found myself grappling with an unusual blend of excessiveness and incompleteness in the character development and sneaker narrative, penned by Edwards (with a foundation laid by Desiree Proctor, Erica Harrell, and Dylan Hartman). Edson, deeply ingrained in his community, unfortunately spends most of his time waiting for his shoes, a fact emphasized when he sings a song that seems too straightforward about his disappointment over potentially missing his midnight basketball game and the chance to elevate himself. His character growth feels shallow at best. Maxine, on the other hand, is unconvincing, being lectured about contemporary sneaker culture, yet spearheading a rebellion. The Collector undergoes a pleasant transformation, but his reason for tolerating a dreadful boss is questionable at its core. The most profound journey seems to be reserved for Ty, as he stands to gain the most from learning about the world and conquering his apprehensions.

Characters who aren’t main characters seem forced into the story to accommodate a large cast. With the exception of Keith David’s character (Converse O.G.), whose on-court banter hides a golden heart, and Adriana (Macy Gray), who loves the attention as much as she cares for others, many of the supporting characters are one-dimensional and defined only by their physical appearance. Ty gains depth through scratches and encounters, but this becomes repetitive after the first two settings. The betrayal at the bowling alley, where it’s revealed that someone has lied, lacks impact in terms of its plot relevance and convenience, bringing Ty’s Ruby Slipper girlfriend Britany (Ella Mai) and her Stiletto friends together.

Despite the story appearing somewhat worn out, outstanding performances breathe new life into it. Mackie, Fishburne, Lawrence, Bailey, and David all invest immense emotion into their voice work, showcasing delicate vulnerability alongside lively exuberance, ensuring we stay connected to the emotional depth of the film. The humor might be overly self-referential at times, but when it’s funny, it effectively enhances the narrative. The animation style offers a fairly economical interpretation of the “Spider-Verse” aesthetic. However, the homage paid to “Toy Story” through the sneakers transforming into inanimate objects when humans are present is particularly noteworthy, as they slump on the ground in a familiar manner. To top it off, the score by Terrace Martin and the soundtrack featuring original songs by Mustard provide the film with a harmonious auditory identity.

Although it has its flaws, “Sneaks” effectively weaves in profound messages that resonate within the minds and hearts of young viewers. Topics such as resilience and discovering creative solutions during difficult times serve as valuable lessons for their teenage years. However, adults may find themselves grappling with unanswered questions about the world portrayed, as it might not fully immerse them.

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2025-04-17 21:48