Zog

Zog is a klutzy dragon learning from teacher Madam Dragon (Tracey Ullman). He's the biggest dragon in the class, but the worst student. He is desperate to earn a gold star, but he never does. Young princess Pearl sneaks out of her mansion and finds an injured Zog. They become fast friends. The class is tasked with capturing princesses, but Zog is not good this either.

This is a fun little children's animated short. With all the rhythming, it's obviously adapted from a children's book. It's sweet and charming. It's a good story, but it does take a weird left turn at the end. It's an interesting and unlikely turn.

This last Christmas the animation from the BBC was another in a handful of film adapting Donaldson's children's books. This one sees a young dragon learning his trade, and when he keep messing up, there is a young girl around to help him out here and there (a girl who also is struggling to learn her 'trade'). The structure of the lesson allows for an engaging episodic approach to the film, and the events are played out with humor. Not really laugh out loud funny often, but amusing and cheering across it all.

The animation matches the style of the book well, and looks great - Zog himself is a nice character and none of these dragons will cause bad dreams. The plot ends with a positive message which applies to everyone, but in particular leans into the female character for its delivery. It is a very positive message and it was only the cynic in me that rankled a bit at how clunky it was played out - very direct. Of course then I remember I was watching a children's film based on a children's book, so probably it deserves a pass. The voice cast feels overly starry; they do well but some of them feel almost like distractions - they are cast for this film as an 'event', which I suppose is fine as they do work.

Like most of the Donaldson animated films, not the deepest or most impacting film, but enjoyable, accessible, and with a nice easy message.

This is a short film that adapts a children's book. It features dragons, and eventually, a princess and a knight. It feels sped up due to it accurately portraying a 30~ page child's book. It takes some very small steps in giving Zog a smidge more depth than it's source. The other unnamed dragons have design flourishes that have add a bit of character, which is why it feels like a shame...

It's visually a beautiful and colorful world that feels like a waste because it is a child's book, meaning it's one-and-done.

It's got a message for girls, somewhat of a message for boys, but at least it's positive. Not bad considering this was a TV special film. I give it an extra point because I found Zog adorable.

Absolutely brilliant short film. Well done everyone!

Cute little kids short film I watched randomly after seeing a movie. Literally How to Train Your Dragon with dragons being taught how to be dragons at school. Throws some Human characters in the mix and provide a straightforward lesson on growing as a person and helping others.

Moves at a good pace, the Animation and voice work is okay. Some little easy gags here and there. Perfectly harmless little bit of fun. The dragons kind of remind me a bit of the ones in the Spyro video game series. Might be a bit simplistic for adults, but children will have a good time with Zog.

5.5/10