When it comes to animation, the biggest advantage it has over live action films is bringing imaginative stories to life. Of course Hollywood and its use of CGI can pretty much handle anything thrown at it, but even it would struggle with a live version of this film.

Set in 1934, it follows the mis-adventures of a seven-legged spider going by the name of Inspector Sun.

Set in 1934, it follows the mis-adventures of a seven-legged spider going by the name of Inspector Sun.

Sun (Ronny Chieng) is in Shanghai, wrapping up his latest case, where he has defeated his nemesis Red Locust (Rich Orlow). His boss isn’t happy with him however, as his results always appear to be more from luck than skilled judgement, and so he fires him.

He’s given a ticket to anywhere in the world, so decides on a flight to New York. However, his plans change when he crosses the excitable Janey (Emily Kleimo), a jumping spider and his biggest fan. Their meeting means that Sun missies his plane, and ends up getting another one, but with this one going to San Francisco instead.

All is going well with the flight, until a murder takes place, which finds Sun having to come out of retirement to solve the case and reveal the murder, before any more passengers bite the dust.

So what we have with this charming Spanish animation is a homage to the great Poirot, but in bug form. The difference being that Sun isn’t quite the great detective mind he thinks he is, despite somehow solving the crimes anyway.

Certainly the setting of the 1930’s allows for some delightful period animation, with the plane, where the majority of the story plays out, dressed like a 1930’s liner. And then you have some interesting bug character designs, that all seem at home within the period its set.

The dialogue and the delivery of it are not exactly sophisticated, harking back to the energetic cartoons of Saturday mornings past, meaning it will probably appeal to a younger audience. Not too young though, as some of the bugs could be a little too scary in their design for the really young.

The story may be slightly on the wrong side of bonkers, but the charming period setting and creative creatures at play means that this animated whodunit is worth closer inspection.