Tom and Jerry: The Magic Ring

The 2002 American animated fantasy comedy film, directed by James Tim Walker, marks the first Tom and Jerry production by Warner Bros. Animation following Time Warner's acquisition of the franchise in 1996. It is also the final animated collaboration between William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, as Hanna passed away on March 22, 2001. The film's plot unfolds in an old mansion where the cat Tom serves a wizard named Chip (Charlie Schlatter). Chip assigns Tom to guard a magic ring while he travels to Calcutta to obtain a rare ingredient for a potion. However, the mouse Jerry accidentally discovers the ring and places it on his head, where it becomes stuck. Jerry leaves the mansion, prompting Tom to embark on a quest to retrieve the ring. Throughout their adventures, they encounter various characters: the bulldog Spike (Maurice LaMarche) and his son Tyke (Frank Welker), the alley cat Butch (Jim Cummings), and the mouse Nibbles (Tara Strong). Utilizing the ring's magical abilities, Jerry causes chaos in the city by transforming objects and altering the sizes of those around him. Ultimately, after a series of comedic and perilous situations, the ring is returned to Chip, and Tom and Jerry resume their eternal chase. The film was released on VHS and DVD on March 12, 2002, receiving mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the attempt to recapture the style of the original shorts, while others criticized the weak plot and lack of originality.