These trailers for NORM OF THE NORTH might be the worst things I’ve ever seen

This past weekend I was at the cinema to watch Star Wars: The Force Awakens again (still amazing the second time around by the way), and while I was waiting in line for my popcorn I saw a poster for a movie that’s coming out in two weeks’ time: Norm of the North. What struck me as weird is that I haven’t heard anything about it. We’re pretty on the ball with our coverage, so for a movie to come out of left field is rare, especially considering how close we are to the release date.

So, when I got home I diligently checked the site, and no, we haven’t posted anything about it yet. Okay, that’s strange. I mean, we’re not omniscient, theoretically this movie could have slipped through the cracks but I am determined to not let our readers down! So, I hunted down the trailer and… well, now I think I know why we didn’t bother with this before.

But, dear reader, I would be remiss if I didn’t post them for you. Without further ado, I present for your viewing pleasure, the two official trailers for Norm of the North.

A polar bear of many words, Norm’s greatest gripe is simple: there is no room for tourists in the Arctic. But when a maniacal developer threatens to build luxury condos in his own backyard, Norm does what all normal polar bears would do…he heads to New York City to stop it. With a cast of ragtag lemmings at his side, Norm takes on the big apple, big business and a big identity crisis to save the day.

Yeesh. So, should we talk about just how unutterably awful that was? Like, I had to double check that this was actually a movie from 2016 and not 2006. The animation, the voice acting, the jokes, the characters, it’s all just so… cringe. Even the lip-synching is bad. Considering the calibre of animated movies we see from the likes of Pixar, Disney and DreamWorks, all I can say is shame on you, Lions Gate. Shame. On. You.

Releasing in SA on 22 January, Norm of the North “stars” Rob Schneider, Heather Graham, Ken Jeong, Gabriel Iglesias, Loretta Devine, Michael McElhatton, Colm Meaney and Bill Nighy. Wait a second, Bill Nighy? Seriously?! In the same movie as freaking Rob Schneider? I don’t even know any more…

Last Updated: January 12, 2016