Writer: James V. Hart, William Joyce, Daniel Shere, Tom J. Astle, Matt Ember (Screenplay) William Joyce, James V. Hart, Chris Wedge (Story)
Starring: (Voice Talents) Amanda Seyfried, Josh Hutcherson, Jason Sudeikis, Colin Farrell, Beyoncé Knowles, Chris O’Dowd, Christoph Waltz, Aziz Ansari, Blake Anderson
Plot: Young Mary Katherine (M.K) returns to her eccentric scientist father’s home, but his all-consuming quest to discover a tiny civilization in the neighbouring forest drives them apart. However, M.K soon finds herself shrunken down by Queen Tara of that forest who was mortally wounded by the putrefying Boggans, and charged to deliver a pod bearing the new Queen to safety. Together with a veteran Leafman warrior, two goofy mollusks and a young maverick, M.K agrees to help. As the villainous Boggan leader Mandrake closes in, M.K and her new friends must draw on the best of them together and discover what they have to save their world.
Verdict: It is amazing what goes on in your backyard
Story: We have a mix of the generic rebelling against parental figures here, following a human girl struggle with a relationship with her father and his strange ways. We also have a leaf man, who refuses to listen to his teacher, but both learn to accept that they are who they are and they need these people in their lives. With all that going on we also have a battle between light and dark trying to control the forest. Having all the young characters learning that they have a responsibility to become the heroes in their own right we see how unity will save the day. (7/10)
Character Reviews
M.K.: Sent to live with her estranged father who has given up everything to prove the existence of the forest people, she becomes one after saving the next queen, M.K learns that she is only alone because she chooses to be and that however different family is, it is all you have. (8/10)
Nod: The reluctant hero in the making among the leaf men, who wants to do things his way instead of listening to his mentor. Good hero that eventually shines character but nothing truly stands out here. (6/10)
Mandrake: The evil dark destroyer of the forest who sees that this moment is his chance to final take over the forest. Good villain but nothing that we haven’t seen before. (7/10)
Grub: The snail guardian of the pod who joins the adventure with his partner, they both provide good comic relief but are not a double act you will remember for long.(5/10)
Queen Tara: She is the one creature who can help the forest regrow but when her time comes to pass over that power to the next generation she has to select the pod, but while doing so she is killed by the evil Mandrake. She helps the story happen and her fighting spirit sums up her leadership and good nature. (8/10)
Ronin: The hero leaf man who vows to protect the queen at all costs, but when he fails he will give up everything to make sure he protects the pod and that the kingdom remains. Good hero role but like most characters in this, it’s nothing new. (7/10)
Mub: The slug guardian of the pod, provides the laughs with Grub but all simple jokes. (5/10)
Director Review: Chris Wedge – With the films that he has under his belt I would expect better, but this is just average animated adventure. (6/10)
Adventure: The adventure side of the story is very good, filled with peril throughout. (8/10)
Animation: The animation quality is top level which is what you would expect from the company and people behind it. (9/10)
Family: Very good for the family to enjoy. (9/10)
Settings: Each setting makes for a different type of peril, adding to the story. (9/10)
Suggestion: This is one for the kids to enjoy, it has a few adult jokes but nothing to crude. (Show The Kids)
Best Part: The dog
Worst Part: It is basically the borrowers in the forest.
Action Scene Of The Film: The chase from Mandrake.
Funniest Scene: The dog chasing small version of M.K
Believability: No (0/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Chances of Sequel: Could have one.
Oscar Chances: No
Box Office: $268,426,634
Budget: $100 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 42 Minutes
Tagline: Prepare for something epic
Overall: Simple Adventure Fantasy Rating