This movie screeches out of the driveway with action right from the start! An unexplained and apparently dangerous whirlpool springs up unexpectedly in the Atlantic Ocean, and in a tropical region. Astronauts Strelka and Belka are returning from a Saturn mission (they are both portrayed as dogs, by the way, not human), and their leader calls on them to target the whirlpool and find out what the heck is going on. What is this anomaly? The General doesn’t like how Belka has been leading the mission, so he turns the command over to Strelka. Belka is miffed at first with Strelka, but soon realizes they will have to work together to accomplish their mission.
Teamwork is a great message throughout this dynamic and colorful animated movie. Bursting with action, and rich characters, it will have your kids and animation lovers glued to the screen.
Various characters are quite unique, such as one that spits out spikes made of ice cycles. There is also Hatchling, that resembles a small chicken but can grow quickly and large in size and can take on a mean disposition at the drop of a hat.
Another memorable character is Lenny, a rat, who has one white tooth and one yellow one. He also has a seal for an uncle (which is explained), and his Uncle Jonas is a sea captain. Or is he really? His true identity is revealed as the movie races forward. In fact, not all the characters are what they seem at first. We learn that Uncle Jonas has an honorable profession, but the one he claims seems a bit more glamorous to him.
Lenny falls for a beauty named Maria, whom he describes as a “goddess”. But there seems to be more to her than meets the eye. However, they do embark on an adventure together. In fact, several mini adventures make up the whole of this remarkable, animated film. The colors are vivid and brilliant, and the spaceships and gadgetry will leave many viewers with wide eyes as they watch in fascination.
There’s a plentiful supply of humor as well. For example, the viewer is treated to a group of jellyfish, which are actually pirates, in search of a Kraekan. Three of them are protesting at sea, holding up signs which say, “We want a better sea!” Another sign says, “More food for jellyfish!” and then, “We aren’t slush!” In another of the many funny lines, Lenny says he works with others who are a dynamic duo, such as Lennon and McCartney, and Anton and Chekhov!
In another scene Lenny accidentally gets Maria’s suitcase, and when he pulls out a bra, the parrots laugh at him. Animals of various kinds make up the characters, including a hedgehog and Thomas-a bug, who is Lenny’s sidekick. Every so often when Thomas messes up, Lenny pleadingly asks, “Why did God give me such an apprentice?” Added to this action-packed mix is several fun and peppy songs.
There’s a bit of name calling here and there, but it’s not graphic or excessive, and there’s a bit of physical comedy too, with Maria, for example, punching a jellyfish in one scene.
The idea of teamwork is nicely portrayed, for example when several of the characters have to work together to repair the damaged ship they are on so they can all make it safely home. We learn that the bottom of the ocean will play a significant part in the solving of the mystery of the whirlpool and finding an adequate water supply. Will the goals be reached? Will peace be obtained?
We are happy that this imaginative and animated feast of colors has earned our Dove seal for All Ages.
The Dove Take:
How nice that this imaginative, animated film shows the importance of teamwork and that heroes still emerge when needed!
