The words “imaginative” and “creative” come to mind while watching this energetic CGI animated movie. The characters leap off the screen, an example being Van (voiced by Booboo Stewart), a tooth fairy, who has recently lost his wand and has a gaping hole in one wing, preventing him from flying. “I’m not very aerodynamic,” says Van, and his dad agrees with him.

In this movie we learn what goes on behind the scenes of kids losing their teeth, and then placing them under their pillows, waiting for coins. The fairies need gold from the goblins to give the coins to humans, and the fairies and goblins do not associate with one another. In fact, the evil and ugly trolls are also a factor in this story, and the movie does a terrific job in showing that diverse characters can, in fact, live in harmony. But it won’t be easy for these characters, who have never done so before.

The picture does a good job in developing various themes, including trusting in one’s gifts, as portrayed by Van’s dad who tells Van he must trust his magic. And Van winds up falling for a goblin named Gemma (voiced by Larkin Bell), and he learns that goblins are, contrary to his former belief, pretty good creatures at times. He also happens to think she’s pretty. And of all characters, Rupee (Nicola Greco), a troll, winds up owing Van a life debt, and is determined to make good on the promise. Comedian Jon Lovitz voices Webster, the spider, and rest assured there are a lot of laughs and funny moments in this picture.

There are some intense scenes as well in the movie, including the spiders who are big and black and ugly, and who pursue Van and Gemma, as well as other characters. And things become sticky when the standard rule that fairies don’t travel into goblin mines is challenged. There is a strong theme of depending on one another and an emphasis on how the various creatures need one another, and this idea of unity among those with differences is commendable.

The movie is a feast for the eyes, featuring the fairies and goblins taking to the air (Gemma in her jet pack), the spiders spinning their webs, and a battle of the various species near the climax of the movie. Featured in the battles are axes, fire, and wand zaps of fire. The music that’s featured is peppy and upbeat and hopeful. And as Van searches for his lost wand, another nice theme is that whatever is lost can be found again. In addition, friends helping one another is exemplified by Gemma patching up Van’s wing so he can fly again. We learn that the record for collecting the most teeth in one night is seven, and one fairy decides he can break that record. Will he?

Encouragement sometimes comes from unexpected sources as one unlikely character encourages Van to “Focus-believe!” And Gemma hopes to learn more about the background of her now deceased mother. But can Van and Gemma and the others avoid becoming spider food? And will Van find not only his lost wand, but his skateboard too?

There is even a bit of young love featured in the movie, as Van likes Gemma and waits to see if she reciprocates those feelings. The theme of making a wish and finding the stars is great. In addition, the idea of never ceasing to believe is remarkable. Dashes of humor are included, such as when one character exclaims, “Holy Molars!” The voice talent is amazing, including Fran Drescher as a queen spider.

Content Analysis: The movie is appropriate for ages 12+ as it includes a few intense and scary images of the spiders, as well as the battles of the fairies, goblins, and trolls. The themes of finding what is lost, believing and reaching for one’s dreams, relying on each other in community, and working and appreciating others’ differences are commendable ideas.

Think About It: Several discussion points are available for parents, such as the idea of trying again after failure, getting along with others and appreciating differences, and the importance of helping others.

The Dove Take: There’s a lot to like about this movie, with its themes of not giving up and of helping others and getting along with those with differences, but parents should be cautious about some of the scary images of the large spiders and other creatures, so we are awarding the movie our Dove Approved Seal for Ages 12+.