Puffin Rock and the New Friends

My toddler son absolutely loves the Puffin Rock show and now this movie! We've been watching the show over and over for a year and a half now on Netflix (he will be 2 in July). It is his favorite show and I was super excited to see they made a movie and we have been anxiously awaiting its release. I'm so glad they made the movie recently so we can watch some new Puffin Rock content :-). It was a nice followup to the show with most of the same lovable characters and some new ones too. It is a wholesome family movie that is enjoyable for people of all ages. It was a glorious evening when we watched it and hope they continue to make more!

Since I have never seen an episode of "Puffin Rock", I am looking at this as an entry level experience. Before watching this, I thought "Puffin" was the name of the main character. The reason why I was drawn to this film was because it is animated by "Toon Saloon", the people that brought us "WolfWalkers", "Song of the Sea", and "Secret of Kells". Yes, Tom Moore is not the director, and the film is clearly aimed at a younger audience, it isn't "PG" it is "Y-7". But quality is not limited by age demographic, and this is a fine kids' movie.

The movie has very charming voice acting, no big-name celebrities, just genuine voice artists, all of which have heavy Irish accents. Like every Toon Saloon movie, it has great animation. I love their efforts to keep traditional 2D animation alive. The story has its fair share of songs, and they are nice. Particularly "Have no Fear", is legitimate toe tapper.

The story manages to balance several characters and plot threads very well. Both newcomers to the show and small kids will have no problem following the flow of the story. They likewise naturally ratchet up the tension towards the climax and make a well-paced 80-minute story.

On the negative end, there isn't much new that this brings to the table. Like so many movies from TV shows, it can just feel like a long TV episode. The lessons aren't bad, but they are familar. Stuff like, tell the truth, be brave, be nice to others, all good stuff to learn, but nothing all that deep. It is just the charm of the characters and setting that keep it going.

Also, the narrator is pretty unnecessary. He was the source of some good laughs, but overall, he was a distraction. The visuals and characters told the story fine. The narrator felt like the over talkative dad in the theatre explaining what was going on to his toddler.

Overall, the movie does its job. The 8-year-old and 6-year-old I watched it with gave it 4 collective thumbs up. The 68-year-old who was watching was fast asleep. For a kids very first film, this movie Puffin Rocks.

This will not be the most nominated film ever made, and besides the main character being purple while all around her possess natural coloration, it's totally safe and entertaining enough to put on for the younger children to cook a meal or whatever in some peace and you're not worried about certain scenes or more modern aspects. It's been a while since I have enjoyed not having to worry about an inappropriate scene or forced situation, especially from a recently released film. It's got some cutesy songs, again nothing deep, but they have a nice melody. The story is one of correcting a mistake, given a carefree alternative scenario.... something from which all children could benefit.

Look, if your child loved the series they are going to love this! It's got all the characters from the original, plus a plethor of new ones. As a parent I like it because it's safe and wholesome, in a world of shows where it's lacking. Also I happen to be a huge Chris O'dowd fan, him as the narrator just works. He really does have a great voice. Again though, the biggest thing is you can put this, like the series on, and not have to worry if there is going to be something inappropriate snuck in. All in all is just a nice, calm, chill movie with some good lessons thrown in for good measure. Puffins Rock!