A slew of big-name voice talent fails to elevate the latest animated film from the makers of Hoodwinked.
Doogal, based on a British stop-action animated TV series called The Magic Roundabout, is an unobjectionable but utterly bland computer-animated story about a dog named Doogal (Daniel Tay) and his unlikely friends — a rabbit (Jimmy Fallon), a snail (William H. Macy), a cow (Whoopi Goldberg) and a train (Chevy Chase). They set out on an adventurous journey to find three magic diamonds that will release the pooch's best friend and owner, Florence (Kylie Minogue), from an icy imprisonment in a carousel (don't ask!), and prevent a villainous wizard, Zeebad (Jon Stewart), from freezing the sun. He hops about on a spring and has co-opted an inept assistant, toy soldier Sam (Bill Hader), in his nefarious mission.
The team of heroes is guided by a good wizard (also on a spring) named Zebedee (Ian McKellen). There's a moose, too, voiced by Kevin Smith.
The tale, uninspired though most of it is, is narrated most charmingly by Judi Dench.
Co-directors Jean Duval, Frank Passingham, and Dave Borthwick's film is British in origin, has been re-voiced with many big-name stars.
There's a commendable message about “friendship being the best weapon,” and given the dearth of kid-friendly films, parents should find little offensive here. But no matter how indulgent, adults and even their toddlers may sense a tired retread of many other superior films like Wizard of Oz and Polar Express.
A handful of snappy lines nothwithstanding, Doogal is closer to Beatrix Potter meets Teletubbies.
The film contains some mild scenes of peril. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I — general patronage. Motion Picture Association of America rating is G — general audiences. All ages admitted.
( This update courtesy of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.)
