Stephen Christensen

One of the best movies I’ve seen in a while. We watched it for a family movie night, on the recommendation from my daughter. I fully expected it to be regular hollywood fare, with heavy handed messages of how you are to think, feel, and act or alternatively blasted with unnecessary violence or sex. Instead, it was imaginative, fun, and even plucked a few nostalgic strings from my old and somewhat hardened heart. I was surprised with a “world of pure imagination” and what felt like a throwback to musicals and movies of a more hopeful era. It was excellent! I’ve noticed many of the negative reviews are hung up on the fact it’s not cynical enough, or the story isn’t mature enough. However, I feel like it’s not meant to be cynical or mature with a thousand reasons for its existence, but to be liked, like a bar of chocolate. Don’t let the Slugworth’s of the world, with hearts colder and harder than mine, dissuade you from watching this charming movie. And like chocolate, it’s better when shared with family and friends. For reference, here are a few imaginative but “not serious” movies I also love: The Princess Bride, The Truman Show, Anne Of Green Gables (Megan Follows version), Winnie The Pooh, and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.