Zog

When I told my kid that they will make a Zog movie, he kept pestering me for half a year when it will come. When it finally did, it was a marvelous short film that used some old stereotypes from kids stories, and turned them into something new and fit for today's world. Most of all, it teaches young girls that they can be whatever they want, and not only princesses In the castle, waiting for a prince.

We've been reading the book for a while and definitely felt like this was a good adaptation of the story. It's always difficut when a short story is made into a longer animation and you often get the feeling that a lot of it is simply filler. This really isn't the case with Zog - there are some very humerous sections which really add to the story. My kids have been watching it non-stop since Christmas, but it is so well done we don't mind (much!).

The bright orange "Zog" is determined to win a gold star from his teacher at dragon school, but to be honest - he isn't really very good. His flying is dangerous for just about all concerned; his roaring wouldn't scare the skin off a custard so he's pinning his hopes on capturing a princess. Fortunately, he has already befriended a young girl "Pearl", so you can imagine his delight when he discovers that she's really of royal blood, bored and actually wants to be rescued. Thing is, though, her kingly uncle wants her back so despatches the brave "Sir Gadabout" to retrieve her. A duel of epic proportions looms, but who will win? It's perhaps five minutes too long, this, but it's still an enjoyably vibrant (almost hallucinogenic) animation that's amusing as the young dragon tries to find his feet/wings/fire-breathing skills whilst the rebellious "Pearl" is desperate to escape the boredom of her life. The narration is largely in an amiable rhyme, the score has a simple jollity to it and there are just about enough escapades to keep it fun.

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.

An absolutely wonderful piece of TV to watch with your children. Funny and creative. Animation is great. Voices too. Hope they do more than two. Love them both.