Outstanding in every way

Rating: 10/10 (27 December 2006)

Whether you have children or not, this is a treat. The makers use the latest technology to the full (and the results are stunning) but they never let visuals or a stunning soundtrack overwhelm a proper hero story, possibly the best pure example I've seen since the era of Luke Skywalker and Indiana Jones. Most of the excellent characters have believable arcs and overall the pacing, twists and message are just right. I wanted to know what was going to happen next so much that I know I missed a lot that to savour in the unbelievably rich, credible (if tap-dancing penguins can be described as credible!) and detailed animation - and in the truly awe inspiring soundtrack, which was clearly created by a team of music-loving technical geniuses with a great sense of humour. I want to see it again immediately to appreciate all this properly.
I intend to buy it as soon as it's on DVD - it's a must-have family film that for me beats every other CG animation bar Shrek and Toy Story into a cocked hat (even Finding Nemo, Ice Age and Monsters Inc, good though they are, are not in this league). Like Shrek and Toy Story it doesn't fall into the tedious trap of working painfully obviously on two levels to keep the adults happy - it is just so fabulous that it engages everyone completely, whatever their age.
Oh, and my children (aged 8 and 12) loved it too.