Gears of Mischief

Critic Reviews

As we crank up the steam and dive headfirst into 'Gears of Mischief', we're quickly swept away on the wings of a zeppelin to a whimsical world where the scent of 3-in-1 oil is practically bursting from the silver screen. Jaxon Cogsworth, voiced by the unmistakably aubergine-tinged delivery of Alden Eggplantreich, delivers the tick-tock of adventure with a charisma that, while may not be at full steam, chugs along nicely. Gary Coopie's Dr. Rivetus Malgear is as deliciously villainous as a twirled mustache in a silent film, brooding with every cogwheel turn. Then there's Roebert Nest-on as Zoomy Sparrowfizz, whose comedic timing is as precise as the gears in a Swiss watch, albeit one that occasionally springs a sprocket. Orson Whales' direction is ambitious, straddling the fine line between grandiose and gear-grinding. The movie itself is a contraption of plots and subplots that sometimes feels a tad over-engineered, leaving you wondering if maybe the blueprints could have used one less curly-cue. However, the art of mischief here is that even when the narrative gears slip, the charm of this animated escapade winds up tighter than a mainspring. In 'Gears of Mischief', you'll find enough levity to float an airship, and that alone is worth the price of admission. Definitely clock in for this one, folks – It's an adventure that ticks most of the right boxes!