Written by: Paul Bassett
Serge Danot creator
Tad Safran dialogue
Raolf Sanoussi
Stephane Sanoussi
Directed by: Dave Borthwick
Jean Duval
Frank Passingham
Voices (English*):
Dougal: Robbie Williams,
Florence: Kylie Minogue,
Zebedee: Ian McKellen,
Ermentrude: Joanna Lumley,
Dylan: Bill Nighy,
Brian: Jim Broadbent,
Zeebad: Tom Baker,
Soldier Sam: Ray Winstone,
Train: Lee Evans
Based on Le Manège enchanté/The Magic Roundabout. Created by Serge Danot.
Basic plot: Dugal accidentally releases Zeebad, in the process freezing Florence. The only way to stop Zeebad, and rescue Florence, is to recover three diamonds. So off the gang set, pursued by Zeebad.
Unlike the TV series, the film is CG animation. I don’t know which company is responsible for the animation but it aint half bad. Also unlike the series, the film has a fair amount of action. But then, if you have seen any episode of the series, that style really would not translate well into a film.
The script is amazing. there is a good mix of jokes that adults will get and jokes that kids will like. There are a lot of references to rumours concerning the series, but again it is done in such a way that it’ll mean different things depending on your age. The use of throwaway lines is great as well. (Example: “I can fly… no I can’t!)
The voices are spot on. Almost. The use of Joanna Lumley for Ermintrude was brilliant. And I must admit that I was worried about Bill Nighy voicing Dylan. But he pulled off the sleepy voice needed perfectly. Ian McKellen was about the only choice for Zebedee, with Tom Baker at his evil best providing Zeebad’s counterpoint.
However, I did say almost. When I heard about Kylie and Robbie voicing Florence and Dougal, I did think it was stunt casting, which this film really didn’t need. After watching the film, my opinion hasn’t changed. Robbie wasn’t bad as Dougal, but there must have been someone else for the role. As for Kylie, well, if you’ve ever seen Street Fighter: The Movie, you’ll know she can’t act. The same here. Thank god Florence doesn’t actually have many lines.
Overall, however, it is a good film, whether you are a fan of the original, looking for a film to take the kids to or looking for a film to take the kid in you to. And if you are a fan of the series, stay during the credits. You’ll thank me for it.
* As you may have noticed, the TV series originated in France. As such, the made a French version of the film, with French voices and the original character names. This, shock, wasn’t the one I saw.
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