Review: This movie may not be a new classic or a film that you will often think about, but it is charming and fun and sometimes that is enough reason to recommend a movie.
The story of this movie is very simplistic and not especially original. However it is well told. Unlike many family movies today, this is a quiet leisurely paced film. In many ways this is one of the movie's best assets. This is an adventure story and this pacing and quietness make you feel like you are traveling along with these characters on their journey in a way you wouldn't if you were watching a noisier action packed film. Our protagonists are very likable making the pleasantness all the more effective. These characters all have their quirks about them and could have easily just become one note jokes about those, but they don't. Susan is not just a naïve character, but one who exudes considerable warmth. It is hard not to like a guy with no pretentions about himself and whose outlook on life is so sweet and optimistic. All this is increased by the good natured voice of Zach Galifinakis, who just lends such a warmth and sincerity to the character. Sir Lionel Frost could have easily been just a self centered jerk, but he is so much more. Like Susan he has a strong desire simply to belong. He wishes to prove himself to an Adventurers' Club that won't have him as a member. One quickly gets the feeling that the reason he wants this so much is because of some inner insecurity and fear that he may not actually be good enough. Maybe he feels that if the club accepts him the insecurity will go away. Because deep down he is insecure he has created on the outside a look out for number one attitude and that him being accepted should be put above all else even his new friend. Once more he is a character that actually matures over the course of film in a way that does not feel forced, but real.
Unfortunately the side characters do not have the same depth as our leads. Most of them are actually little more than bland, boring and cliché. The villains are especially bad. We feel like the are nothing more than plot devices. There is little to no personality to them, and their dialogue is as clichéd as can be. We feel we have seen these villains a million times before and done a lot better. The storyline while charming is nothing new and anyone who has seen enough movies will be able to tell you what happens at ever turn.
The humor in this movie is not one that will often make you laugh out loud, but it will also never make you cringe. There were a few laugh at loud moments but I smiled or chuckled much more than I actually laughed.
This movie may not be up to par with Laika's previous output, but that in no way means it is bad. This is instead a charming and fun movie in its own right.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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