- Sensibility: The rules of engagement of the monsters and the pond flex a bit, much like the imagination required to create such a creative and fun story.
- Cinematography: Camera work and framing are excellent. The cgi has the perfect low-res feel that blends with the youthful drawing style, even if there are some masking issues. Production design is simple but effective.
- Energy: On-top of the already fun, youthful energy that is the essence of the film, a great score and soundtrack take the film to new heights. The film may just be a bit too long with too much focus on only a few monsters when there are so many to explore.
- Narrative: Heart-warming, creative, and meaningful. Rare that a film intended for children can pack such a punch for all ages. The film also doesn't try too hard to explain the miraculous events taking place
all around, and this plays well into the child-like energy the story captures.
- T-Points: The film received three bonus points: one for a great remark "what are we a cult," one for a great subtle joke about "vitals," and one for a moment where a girl confronts her metaphorical, Jungian shadow.
It's hard to keep a film like this from becoming too corny to be bearable, but solid dialogue and some great metaphor make for a great watch.
Number of Watches: 2
