I took my nephew and sister to the AMC Theater to catch Sneaks, the new animated film that hit theaters on April 18, 2025, and we had an absolute blast! Directed by Rob Edwards and Christopher Jenkins, this quirky sports comedy about talking sneakers brings a vibrant, heartwarming story to life with a stellar voice cast and a soundtrack that had us grooving in our seats. With themes of family, courage, and embracing your purpose, Sneaks is a delightful ride that sneaker fans and families alike will love.
A Creative Story with Heart and Soul
Sneaks follows Ty (voiced by Anthony Mackie), a pristine designer sneaker who dreams of being admired on a pedestal, and his sister Maxine (Chlöe Bailey), who longs to be worn and scuffed up while helping her owner achieve greatness. The siblings, a pair of exclusive gold-and-white Alchemy 24s, are won in a raffle by Edson (Swae Lee), a young basketball player with big dreams. But when a shady sneaker collector, The Collector (Laurence Fishburne), steals them, Ty and Maxine get separated, kicking off a thrilling adventure through New York City to reunite and return to Edson.
What makes this movie so special is its fresh take on sneaker culture—a world where shoes have personalities, emotions, and dreams of their own. Ty’s journey from a self-obsessed sneaker to a courageous brother who learns the value of hard work and connection is genuinely touching. My nephew loved the idea of talking shoes, especially when Ty teams up with J.B. (Martin Lawrence), a street-smart sneaker who helps him navigate the city. My sister appreciated the sibling bond between Ty and Maxine, which mirrors the real-life closeness and occasional rivalry siblings experience. For me, the film’s message about stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing life’s scuffs as badges of honor really hit home.
A Star-Studded Cast That Shines
The voice cast of Sneaks is a powerhouse, bringing energy and heart to every character. Anthony Mackie delivers a perfect mix of humor and vulnerability as Ty, making his transformation feel earned and relatable. Chlöe Bailey’s Maxine is full of spunk and determination, a great role model for kids watching her fight to fulfill her purpose. But the real standout for us was Martin Lawrence as J.B.—his comedic timing had the whole theater laughing, especially during a scene where he trash-talks another sneaker with the line, “Your mama is from Payless!” My nephew couldn’t stop giggling, and I have to agree with reviewers like Nell Minow from RogerEbert.com who called this one of Lawrence’s best movie performances.
The supporting cast, including Swae Lee, Laurence Fishburne, and a lineup of musicians like Macy Gray and Mustard, adds a rhythmic flair to the film. The mostly Black and Latino voice cast also brings authentic cultural representation, celebrating sneaker culture’s deep roots in urban communities. It’s a joy to see a film that reflects diversity so naturally while telling a universal story about family and friendship.
Visuals and Music That Pop
The animation in Sneaks is a treat, capturing the bustling energy of New York City with a vibrant, stylized look. The sneaker designs are clever—their laces act as arms, and their hops and flips give them so much personality. A highlight for us was the Busby Berkeley-style musical number where shoes dance in perfect sync, their laces twirling like arms in a dazzling display. My nephew was mesmerized, shouting, “Look at them dance!” The city settings, from basketball courts to Central Park, feel alive, and the hip-hop-infused score by Terrace Martin, paired with original songs by Mustard, had us all tapping our feet. The soundtrack’s rap, hip-hop, and R&B beats perfectly complement the film’s urban vibe, and as one X user put it, it’s “one of the best soundtracks since Into the Spider-Verse.”
A Family-Friendly Experience with a Positive Message
Watching Sneaks at AMC was a fantastic family outing. The theater was filled with kids and parents, many wearing their coolest sneakers, creating a fun, communal atmosphere. The film’s 90-minute runtime kept my nephew engaged the whole time, and the comfy AMC seats made it a cozy experience for my sister and me. We shared a bucket of popcorn and laughed together at the sneaker puns, like Ty’s dream of a “motorized turntable with some dope lighting” for his pedestal.
What I loved most about Sneaks is its wholesome message. The film teaches kids about courage, teamwork, and the importance of family through Ty and Maxine’s journey. As Common Sense Media noted, the movie highlights these values with “mostly lighthearted fun for families,” with only a few perilous moments—like a dog chase and a sneaker being cut in half—that might startle younger viewers but are handled with care. There’s no foul language (just one “OMG”), making it a great pick for family movie night.
Why You Should See It
Sneaks may not have the big-budget polish of a Pixar film, but its heart, humor, and cultural flair make it a standout. It’s a love letter to sneaker culture, showing how shoes can be more than just footwear—they’re symbols of identity, creativity, and community. The film’s diverse cast and positive messages about stepping out of your comfort zone resonate deeply, and the music and animation bring a fresh energy that’s hard to resist.
My nephew, sister, and I left the theater buzzing with excitement, already planning to rewatch Sneaks when it hits streaming. My nephew called it “the coolest movie ever,” my sister loved its family themes, and I couldn’t get enough of the soundtrack and Martin Lawrence’s hilarious performance. The movie resonates with urban youths, particularly Black and Latinos from NYC. They will better relate to the movie than other ethnic groups. Nevertheless, the movie is fun for all. If you’re looking for a fun, feel-good movie that celebrates family, friendship, and finding your purpose, Sneaks is a perfect fit. Grab your favorite kicks and head to the theater—you won’t be disappointed! What did you think of Sneaks? Let’s chat in the comments!
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