By Kyle Flynn

Sketch follows a recently widowed father and his two children. Through the power of a magic lake, his daughter’s Monster drawings come to life. Hijinks ensue while trying to stop the monsters from destroying the city.

Sketch manages to be a cute movie that wears its heart on its sleeve. What could have easily fallen into the many pitfalls that beset modern children’s and family films, the film manages to carry itself with a screenplay that has some wit to the world and relationship dynamics of the characters. It is not a perfect script, with many gags making me eye-roll and slightly overstuffed with on-the-nose references. However, I certainly laughed more during this film than during most of the films this summer. 

Tony Hale seems to be having fun in this role and is delivering a performance on par with a lot of his comedic work targeted to a younger demographic. The two leading child performers, Bianca Belle and Kue Lawrence, are very strong. Both give a magnetic performance worthy of praise, but not every line delivery lands, and you can sense it inching a little toward being an over-the-top mess, but it succeeds for what the story needs. Kalon Cox, one of the primary supporting child performances, plays her role as the film’s comedic relief. 

The visual presentation of the movie is good. Great use of color, a rarity it feels like, in a lot of modern children’s films. I was left impressed by what was accomplished with the visual effects on this budget. The monsters have unique designs and keep the cartoon visual pastiche needed for the story, but blend well in the real world. The creative use and range of designs were a highlight; it manages to make you remember the laughable monster drawings you made as a child. 

The film’s core is this family relationship, and your heart is touched by the end. That is all you can ask for from a movie like this. I was happy with the movie by the end, and I would recommend it. The themes of childhood development, healthy coping, and creativity are universal and could benefit children and adults. I hope that Angel Studios continues exploring more angles when acquiring and buying films. I was surprised by the announcement that they purchased a non-religious film, but it was a pleasant surprise. 

3 1/2 stars