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This is a true Euro production originating in Denmark, but with collaboration
from animation studios in Munich and Dublin. As an attempt to take on the big
boys in American animation, it looks rather dated and unsophisticated with its
traditional techniques and none of the computer-generated advances we saw in
Toy Story and Shrek. That said, this is a charming piece with a reasonably
meaty storyline, and some nicely-drawn villains. Left to their own devices by a
sleeping childminder, Fly and his cousin Chuck take infant Stella on a fishing
trip. Trapped by the rising tide, they find their way into a remote cave where
eccentric professor McKrills - voiced by Terry Jones - is carrying out his
experiments.
One of them involves a potion which turns humans into fish, and, yes, you've guessed it, little Stella takes it - forcing the boys to do the same so they can rescue her and take the antidote within the 48 hours limit, or they all remain fish forever. Enter villainous Joe - voiced by Alan Rickman - who finds the antidote provides him with the power of speech and reasoning. These gifts, he decides, can form the basis for a piscine world takeover. Narrow scrapes and adventures abound, laced with Rickman's inimitably wicked delivery of lines. Remember his outrageous portrayal of the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves? The kids get in and out of trouble, but eventually everything works out to everyone's satisfaction - except Rickman's. An undemanding children's entertainment without the overt inclusion of jokes aimed at the adult, of which Disney and DreamWorks are so fond. As such, this has a simplistic, rather dated air - but is nonetheless charming for that. Aimed, specifically, at the youngest audience, it may become tedious for older children more used to hi-tech versions.
Rating 7/10
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