In their latest direct-to-video animated movie, Spy Quest, Tom and Jerry team up with Johnny Quest. For those not familiar with Quest, created and designed by Doug Wildey, the animated, science-fiction series debuted in primetime during 1964-65 and was produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions. Surprisingly violent for a kids cartoon, it seemed as though the cartoon had been influenced by the than recent James Bond film Dr. No. Johnny’s main adversary is Asian baddie Dr. Zin, who is often found hanging out in an empty volcano toppling rickets and such. A junior spy, Johnny, his father Dr. Benton Quest, Johnny’s pal Hadji and their canine companion, Bandit, traverse the globe, trying to solve the world’s problems.
Initially, I couldn’t see how a Tom and Jerry/ Johnny Quest crossover could really work. After all, Tom and Jerry pretty much just chase each other around. That didn’t seem to lend itself well to the spying adventures of Johnny Quest. All credit to writers Jim Krieg and Heath Corson who managed to pull it off.
Tom and Jerry are enjoying some time on the beach, engaging in their usual shenanigans, when they run into Johnny (voice of Reese Hartwig), Hadji (Arnie Pantoja), and Bandit, on the run from a trio of cats. These cats fly, wear armor, talk, and shoot laser beams. Oh, and the just happen to work for the nefarious Dr. Zin. (James Hong). Race Bannon (Michael Hanks) is able to rescue them in the nick of time and rush them home to nearby Quest Key. Dr. Quest (Eric Bauza) has finished a project, the Q Sphere that can power a small city. Naturally, Dr. Zin wants it, and sends his robotic, killer cats to get the project and Dr. Quest. Later that night, Tom sneaks into the kitchen to raid the refrigerator. In doing so, he inadvertently turns off the security system, allowing the cats to capture Dr. Quest and his project.
Dr. Zin wants the Q Sphere to empower his “automated battle island” and attack Washington, DC. It’s up to Jonny, Hadji, Bandit, Tom and Jerry to stop him, rescue Dr. Quest and save America’s capitol. As it turns out though, Tom and Jerry actually end up being a big help!
The voice acting is string across the board, and Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest represents a surprisingly strong mashup fans of both franchises can enjoy.
