Tom Is Yet To Chase Jerry In New York

New York is a fantastic and iconic city, isn’t it? I remember watching a film about a boy named Kevin getting lost there after getting on the wrong plane when I was a child [15]. I also remember watching several incarnations of an iconic duo that have been fighting for years. Who would have thought Tom and Jerry would go after each other in New York [11] [29], despite the mixed and negative reception of their live-action movie earlier this year [7] [21]? Surely, the film was not as uninspired as Tom and Jerry being slapped on animated versions of certain classic movies to some of us [35] [36]. At least some crossovers are way more fitting, such as the forthcoming film, Straight Outta Nowhere: Scooby Doo Meets Courage The Cowardly Dog [33]. It has been a week since the trailer for a brand new Tom and Jerry series was released and there is quite a lot of potential [11], so sharpen your claws because we are about to pounce our way through an analysis of the trailer for during the time the third season of Hello Kitty Fun is still being sporty and adorable for fellow kitties in Mexico and South America [12] [13] [14]!

What will be next? Tom and Jerry in Paris? Perhaps Jerry can learn how to cook [19]. [11]

I appreciate the forthcoming series for basing a new setting on a real-life city for the iconic pair of frenemies in order to try something quite refreshing and at least more original than one of the laughably unneeded crossovers in the history of animation [36]. It looks no unauthorised animals will be allowed in the Royal Gate Hotel. When it comes to being a daring rodent like Jerry, rules like that are to be challenged. Spike is seen attacking Tom once again, meaning that he will still be as aggressive as he has always been. Could his adorable son also make an appearance? We also see characters from some of the classic shorts, such as Quacker, Jerry’s friend who is a duckling and Toodles Galore, Tom’s love interest [27] [32], leading to some familiar yet possibly fresh portrayals. I am sure the adorable Tuffy might reprise his role as Jerry’s nephew in an episode [26]. I would dread to see how Muscles, Jerry’s tough cousin would confront George, Tom’s cousin who is afraid of mice if the two appear in the forthcoming series [24] [25]. Aside from theories on how some furry and feathered friends will be portrayed, there will be some comparisons with other incarnations, including Tom and Jerry Tales [3].

Butch will return in the forthcoming series as an assistant for Tom. I wonder why he is wearing a fancy turban whilst knocking Jerry out with a small mallet. [11]

There appears to be some new characters for Tom to try and not to provoke. I doubt that he will succeed though. Sorry, Thomas. [11]

I have noticed that the art style of the forthcoming series is highly similar to the art style in The Tom and Jerry Show, the modern adaption that premiered back in early 2014 [2] [11] [28] [29]. I like how vibrant the colours of the characters are, but compared to the two special shorts, I can see why plenty of us would prefer the colours and designs of the duo in those as they resemble a little more of what they looked like in the classics and look less saturated [22] [30]. I am afraid that the new CGI art style for them in their live-action movie only works well in some moments, leaving me feeling fairly neutral towards it [7]. As for Tom and Jerry in New York, I also like how the backgrounds are convincingly detailed in rather realistic colour palettes, especially the reception area at the Royal Gate Hotel [11]. Another example would be how the ocean in the scene where the furry rivals are at a pier has a faint reflection of moonlight, which shows a little extra effort. I can theorise that Tom and Jerry in New York is a successor taking place after the live-action movie with the same art style as The Tom and Jerry Show as that series ended back in January [28] [29].

I like how there will be a small variety of settings set in an animated interpretation New York in the forthcoming series, such as an arcade as it can increase the likeliness of the plot in each episode being at least interesting for the audience as solid proof of research on what travelling to New York is like being taken seriously is shown. [11]

I also admire the effort put into other specific backgrounds, especially this interpretation of the Times Square Billboards in the city that never sleeps as Toodle Galore is featured as a cat used for advertising cat food and there are other advertisements on big screens. This is another prime example of highly convincing research for a cartoon that is set in New York [18]. [11]

As we know, cartoon slapstick has been Tom and Jerry’s best selling point for many generations. Examples of cartoon slapstick featured in the trailer for Tom and Jerry In New York include:

·        Butch hitting Jerry in the head with a tiny mallet [11]

·        Tom slipping over a trail of marbles [11]

·        Spike whacking Tom with a slice of meat [11]

·        A plate smashing into Tom’s face, shaping his head into one [11]

·        Tom almost falling into a crocodile’s mouth [11]

·        Tom running into a rubbish bin [11]

·        Tom getting sucked into a vacuum cleaner [11]

·        Jerry biting Tom’s tail [11]

I admire the classic shorts for how creative the slapstick can be without any blood and gore whatsoever, but I understand why modern adaptions toned it down just a notch for newer standards, such as removing usage of dynamite and matches [6] [9]. Call me a social justice warrior all you want, but I am glad that we no longer tolerate any mockery towards African-Americans during scenes that are meant to be comedic in the Tom and Jerry franchise [5] [8]. At least some toned down slapstick would be more “Tom and Jerry” than no slapstick at all as I recall the Tom and Jerry: The Movie from the 1990s being criticised for it suddenly became a completely different premise [23] [31].

PWNAGE!! [11]

It is also quite amusing to see Tom tap dance in tap shoes, which is an example of how quirkiness that is not particularly slapstick can enhance to wit of the show. [11]

Tom and Jerry will start a new wave of comedic duels at the beginning of July on HBO Max [11] [29]. What do I think of the overall concept? I can definitely say that it is highly promising and as previously mentioned, far more original. I do not doubt that many of us would still prefer the special shorts for specific reasons and that is completely understandable [22] [30]. Speaking of the special shorts, I suppose there can be a second season in about 2022, just like how there will be a second season of Looney Tunes Cartoons also on HBO Max later this July [10]. What else can I say about continuations? Well, after watching the trailer for the revival of Johnny Test that will be available for Netflix soon, all I can say is that at least the animation looks a little better and there are no irritating whipcracks being heard [18]. I will say that some shows deserve a continuation for a new generation whilst some do not [1] [10] [11] [16]. Will Tom and Jerry in New York be a decent successor to The Tom and Jerry Show or will it stink like cheese? Watch out for the mousetraps on the way out!

And one more thing, please respect other fans’ opinions. Please do not assume that someone’s favourite interpretation of an iconic cartoon is “garbage” solely because of their age [20]. Leave the cartoon violence to the kitty and the mousey. [11]

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