The Magic Roundabout (2005)

Directors:

Dave Borthwick
Jean Duval

Writers:

Serge Danot (characters)
Raolf Sanoussi (co-writer) ...

Release Date:

2 February 2005 (France)

Genre:

Animation | Adventure | Comedy | Family | Fantasy

Tagline:

Things Are About To Get Hairy.

Plot:

A group of friends embark on a dangerous journey in an effort to imprison their oppressor -- the evil wizard ZeeBad.

Plot Keywords:

Diamond | Sorcerer | Rabbit | Martial Arts | Revenge

Cast

Tom Baker	...	Zeebad (voice: English version)
Jim Broadbent	...	Brian (voice: English version)
Lee Evans	...	Train (voice: English version)
Joanna Lumley	...	Ermintrude (voice: English version)
Ian McKellen	...	Zebedee (voice: English version)
Kylie Minogue	...	Florence (voice)
Bill Nighy	...	Dylan (voice: English version)
Robbie Williams	...	Dougal (voice: English version)
Ray Winstone	...	Soldier Sam (voice: English version)
Daniella Loftus	...	Coral (voice: English version)
Ediz Mahmut	...	Basil (voice: English version)
Jimmy Hibbert	...	Additional Voices (voice: English version)
Michel Galabru	...	Zabadie (voice: French version)
Dany Boon	...	Ambroise (voice: French version)
Valérie Lemercier	...	Azalée (voice: French version)

Also Known As:

Pollux - Le manège enchanté (France)
Sprung! The Magic Roundabout (USA)
The Magic Roundabout (UK)

Runtime:

France:85 min

Country:

UK | France

Language:

English | French

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Iceland:L | Portugal:M/4 | Ireland:G | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | UK:U | Singapore:G

Company:

Action Synthese

Trivia:

A number of character have dialogue that references previous roles. Robbie Williams' Dougal states he likes Florence as he "offers her protection" a line from his song "Angels".

Goofs:

Continuity: After Train transports everyone across the narrow bridge over the lava, he slouches down to the ground in relief. In the next shot he is standing straight, looking normal.

Quotes:

Zeebad: [giving advice on evil laughter] No Sam, it's all in the back of the throat.

Movie Connections:

Featured in The Magic of Music (2005) (V)

Soundtrack:

Believe Yourself

Charming, for children of all ages!

I was part of the 40% adult demographic that was was addicted to the Eric Thompson version, that went out on TV in the UK years ago, and I have a DVD of the Nigel Planer ones too. I was therefore looking forward to this for another fix, especially Tom Baker's Zeebad and Bill Nighy's Dylan.

It is visually delightful, the main part of the story where the Zebadee rules over a wintry ice kingdom is even prettier than the summery scenes at the beginning and end! The characters are more animated and better able to sustain your attention for the length of a feature film though I was surprised initially at the changes, not having seen any trailers beforehand. The plot is fairly simple but they always were, and so beautifully depicted that I can't see it matters. The love interest is as unexpected as it is sweet! The dialogue is as funny as you would expect from previous versions and the characters are as we always knew them. I loved Dylan's sudden concern when it was pointed out that grass was under threat!

I had forgotten how I had to get used to Nigel Planer's voice after being used to Eric Thompson's and this happened again. Once I had adjusted though it was delightful. The songs are nothing special and not as catchy or charming as the original tune but they fitted in just fine. I LOVED Ermintrude's opera singing! I had forgotten that attribute of her character!

Probably one I will enjoy more on dark winter nights when I need cheering up, accompanied by a mug of hot chocolate, sugar almonds and marrons glacés rather than popcorn, much more than than in warm weather. A film you can happily watch with children too. Just keep die hards and cynics at bay!

The DVD is excellent with a lot of extras and a an interactive two level quiz for youngsters when they have seen the film a few times and want a bit more involvement.

All in all, I recommend this to children of all ages.