Moon Bound (2021)

While others are in festive mood, and have begun their search for Christmas themed films, I have been curating animations that push the boundaries of imagination. Not that I'm not excited about Christmas but, Christmas themed films these days seem cliche and the romance no longer has me wishing for anything. It's kind of tatted in my heart that everything's mere fantasy so why waste my time? Anyway if you know of any Christmas film that's probably a ten, don't hesitate to recommend. I'll be more than excited to check it out.

Moon Bound directed by Ali Samadi Ahadi, caught my attention with its fantastical premise and charming art style.

Synopsis

The story follows Peter, a young boy, and his sister Anne. Peter's a nerdy kid who loves everything about science and has no business believing fantasy. His sister Anne, on the other hand, is obsessed with fantasy and believes every story to be real. One night, a quirky beetle, Zoomzeman, shows up at their house and seeks their help as he thinks they're the heroes who can help him travel to the mom to retrieve his missing arm and his to alsob save his beloved Mrs Zoomzeman.

Peter doesn't believe this story when it's narrated to him by Anne, he thinks she's crazy, so he shuts her up and goes back to sleep. Anne, determined to help the beetle, follows him.

Peter suddenly jerks up from sleep and realizes his sister has run off with the beetle, so he chases them. They're magically transported to space but Anne is missing as she's been captured by the evil man on the moon. Peter is determined to save his sister so he teams up with Zoomzeman and other celestial beings who help carry out their adventure.

My Review and Rating

I'll start with the positives. This film is undeniably a visual treat, boasting vibrant and colorful animations that capture the whimsical nature of its source material. The designs of the celestial landscapes are imaginative and younger viewers will likely be enchanted by the movie’s dreamlike quality. The characters, especially Mr. Zoomzeman, are quirky and endearing, adding a sense of humor and lightheartedness to the story.

The voice acting is solid, with the cast bringing warmth and personality to their roles. There’s an earnestness to the film that shines through, making it clear that it was crafted with love and a genuine desire to entertain.

Personal Criticism

However, this film struggles in the storytelling department. The plot is straightforward, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing for a children’s movie, but the pacing feels uneven. Some scenes drag unnecessarily, while others rush through key moments, leaving little time for emotional impact.

The humor, while charming at times, feels forced in certain instances, especially for older viewers. As much as I enjoyed Mr. Zoomzeman’s antics, some of his jokes felt repetitive, like a well-meaning uncle who doesn’t realize he’s told the same story twice.

One of the biggest drawbacks, though, is the film’s lack of deeper character development. While Peter and Anne are somewhat likable, their emotional journey feels surface-level. I wanted more. And let’s not forget the villain, the Moon Man, who is disappointingly one-dimensional. He feels more like a generic obstacle rather than a fully realized antagonist.

Also, as a fan of storytelling that appeals to both kids and adults, I found the film overly geared toward younger audiences; those ones who really didn't really read meaning into anything. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it lacks the layered storytelling that makes animated films like Inside Out or Spirited Away resonate across generations.

All in all, Moon Bound is a mixed bag. Its stunning visuals and charming characters make it worth a watch, especially for younger audiences. It’s a sweet, lighthearted movie that doesn’t quite reach for the stars but still manages to capture the moon’s glow.

Rating: 3/5

So, if you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure, this one fits the bill but don’t expect it to leave a lasting impression.