392. Wolfwalkers; movie review

 

WOLFWALKERS

Cert PG

103 mins

BBFC advice: Contains mild threat, violence

He is not exactly prolific but I do look forward the unique Irish animations of much-acclaimed director Tomm Moore.

The man behind The Secret Of Kells and Song Of The Sea has a style based on the misty days of legend.

And it is to a scene from hundreds of years ago that he, co-director Ross Stewart and writer Will Collins stretch their imaginations for Wolfwalkers.

This is set at the time that Oliver Cromwell (voiced by Simon McBurney) was Lord Protector of all Ireland.

It is an era of superstition and magic and a young apprentice hunter (Honor Kneafsey) journeys to Ireland from England with her father (Sean Bean) to wipe out the last wolf pack.

To say she is free-spirited is a strong understatement.

Her dad tells her to look after their home while he goes out on dangerous business but she persistently ignores him, putting herself in danger from the locals and the wolves who gather outside of the city.

It is while exploring the forbidden lands outside of city walls, she faces wild pack and a young girl (Eva Whittaker) who appears to have them under her control.

Indeed, it turns out that she and her mother can transform from human to wolf and vice-versa and Robyn becomes transfixed by them.

However, her dad is still under pressure from the Lord Protector and the city's population to kill the animals.

Wolfwalkers looks great - its animation is captivating and its story is engaging.

However, it goes over the same ground far too often. For example, Robyn disobeys her father over and over and over to the point where she is just irritating.

And there are too many stereotypes - from the villainous Lord Protector downwards.

This is a shame because Wolfwalkers could have been as good as Song Of The Sea but disappointingly fell short.

Reasons to watch: Looks great

Reasons to avoid: Too repetitive

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 6.5/10

Did you know? The last wild wolf in Ireland is said to have been killed in 1786, 300 years after they were believed to have been wiped out in England and 100 years after their disappearance from Scotland.

The final word. Ross Stewart: "We all have to come together to figure out how to help save this world that we live in. It's the only one we have. I think that's one of the stronger messages." CBR

 

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