Watch The Cricket In Times Square

Based on the beloved children's book by George Selden, "The Cricket in Times Square" is a heartwarming animated movie that follows the adventures of a musical cricket named Chester, who finds himself transported from the Connecticut countryside to the bustling metropolis of New York City. Voiced by the legendary Mel Blanc, Chester is initially bewildered by the sights and sounds of the big city, but soon he begins to embrace his new surroundings and discovers that his musical talents are a hit with the humans who live and work in Times Square. With the help of new friends like the cat Tucker and the mouse Harry, Chester sets out to make a name for himself in the world of entertainment, even as he longs to return to his pastoral home.

The animation in "The Cricket in Times Square" is somewhat simple by modern standards, but it still manages to capture the magic of Selden's original story, which was published in 1960. Chester is a charming and likable protagonist, brimming with enthusiasm and optimism even in the face of adversity. His relationship with Tucker and Harry forms the emotional core of the movie, with plenty of humorous moments coming from the mismatched trio's interactions.

While "The Cricket in Times Square" is primarily aimed at children, there is plenty here for adults to enjoy as well. The movie is set in a vividly realized version of mid-20th century New York, with bustling streets and soaring skyscrapers depicted in lush detail. The scenes that take place in the various shops and theaters of Times Square are especially memorable, as we see Chester captivating audiences with his musical talents in one scene, and Tucker getting into all sorts of hijinks in a fish market in another.

The voice cast is also top-notch, with Blanc, Tremayne, and Foray all turning in delightful performances. Blanc, of course, is the standout here, demonstrating his incredible range by providing the voices for both Chester and Tucker. He manages to imbue each character with its own unique vocal tics and quirks, bringing them to life in a way that only a master voice actor like him could.

If there is one flaw in "The Cricket in Times Square," it's that the movie can feel a bit slight at times. Clocking in at just under an hour, it doesn't delve too deeply into the themes of the original book, which explored issues like identity, home, and belonging in a more nuanced way. Instead, "The Cricket in Times Square" is content to be a lively, colorful romp through one of the most famous neighborhoods in the world, with a few gentle life lessons sprinkled in for good measure.

Nevertheless, there is a timeless charm to this movie that makes it an easy recommendation for families looking for something to watch together. The story may be simple, and the animation may be a bit dated, but the performances and the overall sense of joy and wonder that permeates every scene more than make up for any shortcomings. As an adaptation of one of the most beloved children's books of all time, "The Cricket in Times Square" has plenty to offer both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

The Cricket In Times Square is a 1999 animated movie with a runtime of 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.