The Princess Castle

I have always loved animation, and generally I do like the Golden Films animations. They are not perfect by all means, but most are charming entertainment with engaging characters and wonderful music. I consider the best of Golden Films to be Thumbelina, The Little Mermaid, Pinocchio, Three Musketeers and The Night Before Christmas. The Princess Castle is another one of their stronger efforts. Part of you does wish that it was a little bit longer perhaps, but I loved the good-natured and very charmingly told story, it's simple but never bland or childish. The writing is both amusing and touching, while the music continues to delight and is always well-utilised and in terms of animation The Princess Castle is one of Golden Films' better-looking too, smooth and colourful and the character designs not as crude as some of the other more obscure I've encountered also. Carlotta is a convincing villainess, not menacing as such but not over-the-top, while Claire, Caitlin and Anthony are very likable protagonists. The voice work is solid also. Overall, a cute and charming animation from Golden Films, as well as well animated with the music and characters as good as you'd expect. 9/10 Bethany Cox