This capsule review has been replaced with a full review.
I hadn’t seen this since I was a kid, but I watched with my daughters last night.
This film is fantastic. So charming and earnest, never sanitized or sanded down for children. The entire movie has a storybook mise-en-scene, with all the flashes of darkness and fear and whimsy that a fairy tale typically has.
Perhaps most impressive is the effect of the animals talking. I legitimately didn’t believe what I was seeing… or, rather, I 100% believed that I was seeing animals talking. In 2021, the effects still look seamless.
I also loved the quiet grace of James Cromwell’s performance, and the overall specificity of the Australian countryside and its residents.
I have almost no caveats to add to my experience… maybe a couple of the episodes, like the alarm clock heist, were unnecessary? But still charming? Otherwise, this film is just great and beautiful from start to finish.
(Lastly… this film made me feel good that I eat a mostly plant-based diet these days.)
Is It Good?
Exceptionally Good (7/8)
Note: This review was originally published elsewhere. Please excuse brevity or inconsistencies in style. If you have questions or feedback, please leave a comment or contact me.
Dan is the founder and head critic of The Goods. Follow Dan on Letterboxd. Join the Discord for updates and discussion.