The Legend of the NeverBeast
Director: Steve Loter
Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Rosario Dawson, Raven-Symoné
76 mins; Class U;
KRS Film Releasing
The legend of the NeverBeast is the latest in a series of films based on the beloved character from the Peter Pan stories by J.M. Barrie.
Starting off with Tinker Bell in 2008 – which served as an origin story for the character – the films are produced by DisneyToon Studios.
They are films aimed unabashedly at the much younger set, but as a rule are entertaining and charming enough to hold the attention of their parents – thanks also no doubt to their relatively short running time.
This latest adventures of the little fairy and her friends in Pixie Hollow introduces us to the NeverBeast, a fabled creature with a frightening roar that looks like a gigantic dog/bear hybrid with glowing green eyes and rather large fangs.
Aimed umabashedly at the much younger set but charming enough
The NeverBeast is befriended by Tinkerbell’s adventure-seeking (and forever rule-break-ing) friend Fawn (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin).
Fawn tries to keep the creature’s existence a secret, while the scouts of Pixie Hollow led by the fierce Nyx (Rosario Dawson) seek out the creature to capture it before it causes any damage. But, wherever Fawn is, chaos is bound to follow.
The Legend of the NeverBeast differs slightly from the norm in that the main character (Tinker Bell, once more voiced by Mae Whitman) plays second fiddle to Fawn. Otherwise, the film follows a strict formula.
Clearly the team behind the Tinkerbell franchise clearly abide by the ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ maxim, which serves them well.
And, although their predictability is a little obvious, there is something charmingly old-fashioned about the series, eliciting the kind of emotions we felt when watching classic Disney movies of yore.
It is often refreshing to watch something that is exactly what it says on the tin. In this case, the messages involves a seasonal morale of love and acceptance as Fawn fights for the protection of this strange and at times scary creature.
It is difficult to dislike this charm of feisty fairies, cute-as-a-button fluffy animals and a rip-roaring sense of adventure with a sweet sense of humour.
It is all brought together by a strong voice cast (that includes the likes of Lucy Liu and Anjelica Huston); which although computer animated, still evokes the traditional Disney look of bright and vibrant colours.