The Trouble With Terkel is an animated remake of the 2004 original from Danish comedian Anders Matthesen. Originally released in 2010, the film follows Terkel (Mike Olsen), a sixth grader whose life is anything but pleasant. His parents are too busy smoking cigarettes and fighting to pay him any mind. His annoying younger sister won’t stop pestering him to play together. The only friend Terkel has is Jason (Eve Maruo), though he doesn’t have any real enemies at school.
Well, that is true, save for the bullies Nigel (Stephen Ji) and Saki (Jake Goldman). Those two aren’t out to just go after the titular character, as they will heckle and play cruel pranks on anyone. One day, their belittling drives Terkel to the brink, so he lashes out at “Fat” Doris (Vanessa Gomez). This causes her to jump out the window, killing herself. Soon after that tragedy, Terkel wakes up to find a stalker has decorated his room in reminders of his evil deed that caused a death.
“…Terkel wakes up to find a stalker has decorated his room in reminders of his evil deed that caused a death.”
The animation throughout The Trouble With Terkel is odd at first glance. The character proportions are off, and everyone has noodle arms that move in an unrealistic way. But the heavily styled presentation is part of the point. By the time the film ends, the animation’s charms work, and all watching buy into the characters.
The voice acting is reminiscent of early South Park episodes. No one is trying to sound like their age; rather, all the actors are trying to sound like cartoon characters. This choice ties into the absurd send-up of life in the United States of America, which is where the film shines. The readiness with which these children gain access to booze, guns, and other weapons is hilarious. The way the new teacher, Mr. Balsac (Shark Firestone), cusses in front of his students is always amusing.
Is The Trouble With Terkel as shocking as it was 15 years ago? No. But the over-the-top satire and the humor’s farcical nature still land. But the animation and comedy are both heavily stylized to make a point, which could turn off some viewers.
For more information, visit the official The Trouble With Terkel site.
"…always amusing."
