Mia and Me: The Hero of Centopia

Mia and Me - The Hero of Centopia is a part live action, part animation, fantasy adventure. The predictable plot with positive messages about destiny and finding the strength within will appeal to young children. It does have themes and violence which means the film is suitable for all but the youngest viewers, that is children over 6.

The quality of the animation is a little uneven and is not at the standard of the major animation studios, but the look and design is bright cheerful and fun.

Thé voice acting is appropriate with that of the villain and his henchman being the most memorable.

Music was very good, if occasionally loud.

A fun film for kids between 6 to 10 years old with positive messages to believe in yourself; to try your best; and to always remember that courage, friendship and kindness are far more powerful than hatred and fear.

"Mia and Me" is set in an imaginary world called Centopia, and has had three television series before this feature film addition to the adventures Mia has with elves, unicorns and other magical creatures.

This feature follows a similar format to the TV series, with short live action scenes bookending the animated section of film, in which the real fun happens.

Mia is a strong and positive role model for young girls, and in this film she faces challenges through which the film explores themes of loss, fear, and the power of friendship.

Aimed at a young audience, "Mia and Me: The Hero of Centopia" gives us a world of beauty and magic to discover as the main characters do their best to stop an evil monster, Toxor, from changing the world into a bizarre mutated version where no-one can fly and everyone must obey his every command.

All the major supporting characters from the TV series are in the film: Mo and Yuko working as a team, Onchao and Phuddle travelling with Mia, plus there are new characters Mia makes friends with along the way including a boy elf called Iko, and a Storm Unicorn. Phuddle works well as the comic side-kick, making unintentional jokes and saying whatever pops into his mind.

There are action packed scenes as the forces of good fight with the evil Toxor and his henchgoons the "groundlings".

While the quality of the animation is not that of the current Hollywood Studios the story is able to suspend the audience's disbelief aided by the excellent music and pacing of the film.

Although there were a couple of subtle bits of dialogue making references that only the adults would understand the film would have been better if there was more for the parents to enjoy. And while the inclusion of live action scenes at the beginning and end of film maintains the format the fan based viewers will recognize these scenes aren't necessary for the actual film, and are the weakest part.

Still the film is enjoyable as is, and the message about the value and power of good friends is very commendable.

A fun film in which Mia, a human girl who can go the land of elves and unicorns, as an elf, must help save her magical world from an evil monster.

It is very colourful, even the bad guys are bright and colourful as well as slimy. All the old friends are in this film, if you used to watch the TV series you'll know them, but if you haven't that's okay too. And there is a new friend, Iko, a boy elf from Lotus Island who just wants to fight the bad toad monster with an army. Mia convinces him that they must solve her oracle to save his people. Mo and Yuko and Phuddle are all helping too, which was great to see.

There are a lot of funny moments, mainly because of Phuddle, because he is a little crazy. There is also funny action and fighting the bad guys with giant puffy balls. The new characters made me laugh. I enjoyed seeing everyone from the TV show again.

This was a fantastic family film that both my 5 year-old and 7 year old daughters and I thoroughly enjoyed. The story is engaging and teaches valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and standing up for what is right. The animation is bright and colorful, and the characters are lovable and relatable. The unicorns are especially adorable and my girls couldn't stop talking about them after the movie, especially the funny one, Stormy. I also appreciate that it has a strong female lead, which is a positive role model for my daughters. While there are battles and fighting, it is all done in a non-violent way, with bursts of colorful gas clouds and water splats.

I highly recommend this movie to other families with young children.

I loved this film especially the unicorns Onchao, Stormy, and Phuddle, he is so funny in this movie. Mia is a great heroine, and that's what the title of this movie should really be, "The heroine of Centopia". The animation is better than the TV show as are the characters and the islands. I really like the way the dark world of Toxor, and he is such a cool villain, looks, it is the best. Also the King is a lot more goofy and funny in this film than the TV show. Mo and Yuko are great together and finally together. There's magic, fighting bad guys and saving the world, what's not to like? I had to rent this movie as it is not showing in the cinemas, but it's still a lot of fun.