Is The Trouble with Terkel Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Animation, Comedy cinema, the 2017 release of The Trouble with Terkel stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Meet Terkel, a miserable sixth grader constantly picked on by two merciless bullies, Nigel and Saki. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Animation, Comedy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Meet Terkel, a miserable sixth grader constantly picked on by two merciless bullies, Nigel and Saki. So what can you do? Tease the ugly girl in class – Fat Doris! When the abuse from Terkel is too much, she throws herself out a window which makes Terkel more popular. Now dealing with popularity Terkel finds solace in booze, guns and everything American. But then life takes a turn for the weird when he receives strange death threats, unable to confide in his annoying sister or alcoholic Uncle, Terkel turns to his sexually inappropriate hippie teacher with intentionally hilarious results. Watch out as anything goes in this crazy comedy about love, family, psychos, pastries, booze and uncontrollable sixth graders in this outrageous Animated flick!"

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Mike Olsen, the performance in The Trouble with Terkel feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Thorbjørn Christoffersen is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 88 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is The Trouble with Terkel truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Animation, Comedy, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 3/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, The Trouble with Terkel explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Thorbjørn Christoffersen respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, The Trouble with Terkel is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Mike Olsen or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Trouble with Terkel is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.