Ozi: Voice of the Forest

The eponymous critter is an orang-utan who's been adopted by two human beings and lives in their jungle home whilst they carry out their environmental protection studies. It's all perfectly amiable until one day, "Ozi" gets a present. A tablet from a would be sponsor hoping that she will becomes a sort of ambassadorial influencer for their green-friendly industry. Of course, the humans know more about the activities of the duplicitous "Mr. Palm" so confiscate the gizmo. A box on top of the television is hardly going to deter her though, and now safely in possession of her new toy, she discovers something remarkable that drives her deep into the jungle. Luckily, she swiftly encounters the savvy "Chance" and pursued by an hunter and by her protectors, they head to a spot on a map that might reveal all to the young and inquisitive "Ozi". The message here is about as subtle as an air raid, but that's probably the clarity of message that makes more sense to young children who want to see animals free to roam in their natural habitat and not living in a sort of zoological version of the "Truman Show". To complete the doctrine, we have a go at corporate greed and misinformation and that's maybe where the characterisations perk up a bit - Donald Sutherland voiced the English language version as his menacing albino crocodile did a little of the company's enforcing for them. The animation is fine and the story flows along predictably, but adequately, for an hour and an half as it delivers it's simplistic planet-loving credentials to an unchallenging audience. Is it all about the butterfly effect? Well if there is point to social media influencers, then you do have to wonder...

Giving this an 7/10 rating

It's heart is in right place for this simple enough tale about life and destruction of our forest and eco sphere. The cast have fun, look and sound good, the animation is not Disney, it's European so it has it's look and does just fine here.

The message is told in a nice easy to follow way, not at all preachy which you get from America these days, so it works, the character design is nice and the colour palette is very good, surprisingly good voice cast keeps it good. It has Amandla Stenberg, Donald Sutherland, Djimon Hounsou, Laura Dern and others. It does look good on the large screen and the sound is very nicely done, there is nothing wrong with this, it's just a very fine movie.

Ozi: Voice of the Forest is a disappointing attempt at a fantasy adventure that falls flat on nearly every level. The film's narrative is predictable and devoid of any real substance, relying heavily on tired tropes and clichés. The dialogue is often stilted and unnatural, further undermining the film's credibility.

Amandla Stenberg, is unfortunately miscast in the lead role. Her performance lacks the depth and nuance required to carry such a complex character. The supporting cast fares no better, delivering wooden and one-dimensional performances.

The film's special effects are underwhelming, and the world-building is lackluster. The forest setting, which should be the film's centerpiece, feels generic and uninspired.

Overall, Ozi: Voice of the Forest is a missed opportunity that fails to capture the magic and wonder of fantasy cinema.

I am taking my 5-year-old to see this tomorrow and will update my review accordingly, but I saw that the literal only other review is spouting nonsense about the film supporting zoos. It SHOULD support zoos. Accredited zoos are amazing places that do all they can to study, protect, preserve, and save a massive variety of animals, insects, and wildlife.

Be sure you are, again, visiting accredited zoos. For any zoos in Europe, look for accreditation from the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), or the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) if you are visiting the UK. When it comes to the US, the highest standard of accreditation is the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

I think that the trailor showed crisp and vivid animation, the story is poignant and necessary, Amandla Stenberg is brat, this has RuPaul in it, and it was Donald Sutherland's final performance. I'm really looking forward to it!

I woud love to rate this film as 10 stars, but I cannot do so until I know there will be no association and partnerships with Zoos/Captivity!!! The film so clearly indicates zoos and captivity without using the words, so why involve them as partners.

This animation was brilliant! The film sheds light on a very important need for change in the way humans distruct habitats and wildlife. The audience is very clearly for children. Children are the future for the environment and will be responsible for what the older generations have left behind for them to maintain. The story was unique and will definitely keep the attention of young and adult viewers!