Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast (2014)
Certified: U
Duration: 76 minutes
Directed by: Steve Loter
Voices of: Mae Whitman, Megan Hilty, Lucy Liu, Raven-Symone, Anjelica Huston, Ginnifer Goodwin, Rosario Dawson, Mel B
KRS Releasing Ltd
Since 2008, Disney has released many Tinker Bell animated features that increasingly showed depth in the storyline and in the level of animation.
Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast is the latest addition to this franchise. The producers at Disney know their audience well and know there is a great lack of films that are aimed square and fair at family entertainment and are primarily for young girls.
Legend of the NeverBeast walks and moves in the same pace, style and structure of the previous movies. Yet this year’s fairy dust instalment is marginally different and in that element it becomes better.
This time around, the film brings into the frame and story proceedings a terrifying creature known as the NeverBeast who looks like a giant cat with teeth that are like tusks – in fact these make it look more like an overgrown sabretooth cat.
This picture has several messages incorporated into it
It’s the presentation of something scary and then finding out that this creature is actually not as fearsome as it looks that gives the film its heartfelt message: that everyone, no matter the appearances, can have a heart of gold.
The focus is on Fawn (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin), who is Tinker Bell’s friend. While in the woods she meets a strange and frightening creature. She ends up becoming its friend and even gives it a name: Gruff. Then she discovers that her new friend will be seen as a danger back at Pixie Hollow and will not be accepted.
It seems there is some ancient legend that this creature known as the NeverBeast will end up destroying the world. Thus it falls upon Nyx (Rosario Dawson), leader of the scout fairies, to end this threat. Fawn, however, knows that Gruff is not dangerous as everyone believes him to be. Thus she tries to bring Tinker Bell (Mae Whitman) and her friends on to her cause and save the NeverBeast.
This animated feature is rich in colour, it’s vibrant and very fluid and energetic, giving a more enhanced visual experience. As per usual Disney films, this picture has several messages incorporated into it.
Voicing talents give the animation an added dimension, with Goodwin especially providing additional sparkle and flair.
The resulting film will make a perfect present for young girls, and the accompanying adults will not feel cheated at all.
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb and Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast will be released on Friday.