Ted and Mike (2020 film)

Ted and Mike is an American adventure buddy film directed by Gabriel Combs. It is produced and distributed by Universal Studios. It stars Kyle Snow, Jamyson Bartlett, Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, and Sadie Sink. It is also the third film in the Animal Cinematic Universe (ACU).

The film was released theatrically in the United States and on-demand (making it the first film in the franchise to be on demand) on April 7, 2020. It was a box office success, grossing over $700 million against a $100 million budget, and received critical acclaim for its plot, casting, humor, performances, and heart. A sequel is in development.

Plot
In the African Savanna, a meerkat named Mike (Kyle Snow) is chased by a Tiger named Ted (Jamyson Barlett) for an unknown reason.

Before, Mike is hunted by a Bear named Tron (Dwayne Johnson), who eats Meerkats for some reason. King Owl (Zac Efron), the king of the Jungle, saves Mike and reminds Tron of the law. Tron leaves and vows revenge on King Owl.

Tron plots to kill King Owl as he is on the cliff of Mt. Awesome. King Owl takes Mike up the hill to show him around, but is killed by Tron, who threatens to kill every meerkat in the African Savanna. Mike flees and searches for help.

Mike finds himself in the Suburbs, where he (shortly after) meets a Tiger named Ted, who hunts a Badger named Tommy (Bill Hader) for an unknown reason. Mike requests Ted as his friend, but secretly just wants a bodyguard to help him with Tron. Ted denies the offer and runs off.

Mike eventually catches up to him and convinces him that he can eat all the warthogs he can in the African Savanna and Ted agrees to come as long as he can bring his crush Maddie (Sadie Sink) on the Plane. The Plane ride is rough and bumpy on the way.

A Few Hours Later, the gang arrives in Africa. Ted cannot find any Warthogs or Meerkats and realizes that Mike was using him as a bodyguard and chases him (thus the opening of the film confirmed). Mike hides in a ditch as Ted abandons him with Maddie, leaving Mike to fight Tron alone.

Mike Goes to fight Tron, who shames him for his selfishness and makes him realize the error of his ways. Tron then prepares to kill Mike as Ted arrives and saves his life, realizing the error of his ways as well. Ted then knocks out Tron as the two climb a tree to hide for now.

Tron follows them up the tree and a fire starts below. Ted’s wife arrives, but is knocked off the tree around the Fire. Ted tries to save Mike, but is knocked into the fire, angering Mike to the point where he gets his revenge on Tron. Mike then discovers that Ted is alive and well.

In the End, Ted and Mike become friends, Ted and Maddie have a cub, and King Owl lives happily in the Afterlife. Ted and Mike also prepare to see the rest of the world and protect other animals from dangers like Tron.

In a mid-credit scene, Ted and Mike find a threat in the Jungles of Florida and go to protect any animal that approaches.

Voice Cast

 * Kyle Snow as Mike, a meerkat who has many fears and does not have any friends.
 * Jamyson Bartlett as Ted, a Tiger who is bullied by a lion and does not have any friends.
 * Dwayne Johnson as Tron, a Bear who plots to kill Mike and take over Africa.
 * Zac Efron as King Owl, the wise king of Africa.
 * Sadie Sink as Maddie, Ted’s love interest.
 * Bill Hader as Tommy, a Badger who is hunted by Ted.

Reception
The film received critical acclaim for its plot, casting, humor, performances, and heart. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film received a 95% Score, with an average rating of 8.17/10. On an A+ to F Scale, the film received an “A”.

Release
The film was released theatrically in the United States and on demand on April 7, 2020. It was also released digitally on July 12, 2020 and on Blu-Ray and DVD on July 17, 2020.

Sequel
An untitled sequel is in development.