Racetime, released in 2018, is a Canadian animated movie directed by Benoît Godbout, Jean-François Pouliot, and François Brisson. The film is the third installment in the popular animated series, Snowtime!, and follows the story of a group of kids and their sled dogs as they take part in a thrilling race.
Set in the small town of Sylvan Lake, Racetime revolves around a group of children, which includes Frankie, Sophie, Luke, and Tiki, who are avid sled racers. As the winter festival approaches, the children decide to challenge the reigning champions, Zac and Charlie, to a race. Zac and Charlie, who are known for their cheating and use of underhanded tactics, accept the challenge, leading to an exciting and unpredictable race that tests the children's teamwork, endurance, and humility.
The movie begins with Frankie and Sophie starting a small business by offering sled-racing toboggan rides to tourists. They get into trouble with the police when their sleds wreak havoc in the town's traffic. But they soon receive some guidance from a local mechanic, who gives them a faster, more aerodynamic sled that they name the "Thunderbolts."
As the children prepare for the race, they face various hurdles, including sabotage attempts by Zac and Charlie, who are determined to maintain their reign as champions. The team also faces internal conflicts as their ambition causes them to neglect their sled dogs, leading to a falling out with the canine companions. However, the children soon realize that the key to success lies in teamwork, and they reconcile with their sled dogs, leading to a heartwarming reunion that underscores the importance of compassion and empathy.
The animation in Racetime is colorful and vibrant, with stunning backdrops that showcase the snowy landscapes of Canada's wilderness. The attention to detail in the animation is evident in the depictions of the various sled dog breeds, capturing their unique physical features and personalities. The characters are also well-developed, with each having distinct traits and motivations that make them relatable and engaging. The voice acting is also top-notch, with Lucinda Davis, Dawn Ford, and Don W. Shepherd delivering standout performances that bring their characters to life.
The movie's soundtrack, composed by Eloi Painchaud, is another highlight, perfectly complementing the action and drama on screen with its upbeat and thrilling melodies. The movie's themes of teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance are evident throughout, making it an ideal choice for families and children of all ages.
Overall, Racetime is an exciting and heartwarming movie that delivers a delightful blend of humor, action, and drama. The animation, music, and voice acting combine to create an immersive and engaging experience that will leave viewers rooting for the children and their sled dogs. It is a worthy addition to the Snowtime! franchise, and a must-watch for anyone who loves a good underdog story.
Racetime is a 2018 animated movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.