Quartile rating: 4.5/10 · 1 rating
Polar bear Norm and his three Arctic lemming buddies are forced out into the world once their icy home begins melting and breaking apart. Landing in New York, Norm begins life anew as a performing corporate mascot, only to discover that his new employers are directly responsible for the destruction of his polar home.
Norm of the North is widely regarded as one of the weakest animated films of its era. The plot is formulaic and poorly executed, recycling environmental messaging and fish-out-of-water tropes without any craft or wit. The voice acting is serviceable at best but fails to elevate weak material. The animation and cinematography are below industry standard, with flat visuals that look closer to a TV movie than a theatrical release. Novelty is low — the concept of a fish-out-of-water animal in New York City has been done far better elsewhere, and this adds nothing distinctive. The ending resolves predictably and without emotional payoff.