And this is coming from somebody who enjoyed all the Tinkerbell films, and thought that the series got better and better with each film. Tinkerbell and the Legend of the Neverbeast has everything that makes the previous Tinkerbell films as winning as they are, and delivers even more.
The animation was something was got better with each film, and Tinkerbell and the Legend of the Neverbeast for me was the best-looking Tinkerbell film along with Secret of the Wings. The animation contains some truly gorgeous colours,vibrant and stylish backgrounds, a lot of imaginative detail and all the characters are well-modelled with all their movements convincing and with little signs of stiffness. It looks and sounds great on the DVD, the clarity of the picture quality helps make the animation so striking, and makes it more vivid. While the sound soars just as well, the sound effects are authentic and those of the darker moments have a suitably booming intensity.
Tinkerbell and the Legend of the Neverbeast's music score is whimsical, energetic and beautifully done too, and while the songs are not many they are sweet and catchy (the opening song being the most memorable). The story is a little predictable but well-paced and full of charm, it also contains a lot more emotion than the previous Tinkerbell films and is the darkest of the lot without being too scary or misplaced. The final act is thrilling and remarkably poignant, and the 'don't judge a book by its cover' message is conveyed very appropriately and never heavy-handedly. The characters are very likable and engaging, and their chemistry still charms. Fawn and Gruff are particularly well-written, and it was easy to be moved by their relationship, and the conflict with Nyx is done believably without being too intense. The voice work is terrific, with Ginnifer Goodwin's lively turn being truly infectious and Mae Whitman, Rosario Dawson and Anjelica Huston are also strong.
My only real complaint with a film that has very little wrong with it is some of the dialogue. A good deal of parts are warm and witty, but others are a bit ropey and while it didn't hurt to keep the comedy scarce some of it is a touch too forced. In conclusion, a very enjoyable and well-executed film and the best Tinkerbell film to date. 8/10 Bethany Cox
