Les aventuriers du timbre perdu

This was THE movie of my youth, yet none of my childhood friends have heard of it, let alone seen it. I suppose this Canadian production was released straight to video in Australia though, so probably no wonder.

The story revolves around Ralph, an avid stamp collector, and his sister Nancy, who stumble across a mysterious collection that reveals a secret method of traveling across the world on a stamp. Yes, that's right. The traveller repeats a certain chant then shrinks to a hundredth of his or her size, then literally falls into the stamp.

Ralph decides to journey to Australia in hopes of uncovering a missing stamp collection for his dad, but after a series of misadventures, is misdirected to China by the local prankster, Tommy Tricker, who wants to find the expensive collection himself. The rest of the movie relates Ralph's stay in China, and the confrontation between he and Tommy in Australia.

This is a really enjoyable film. I know it's meant for elderly children, but I think anyone below 24 would be pleasantly surprised.

Tommy Tricker reminds a bit of a more abrasive Joey Jeremiah from Degrassi High!

I always enjoy watching this movie again and again, although I'm in my thirties: To my mind, "Tommy Tricker" always manages to bring back to me nice memories of my youth (what might be true for other adults as well). I even recall the first time I watched it: it was the Summer of 1991 (probably the first time "Tommy Tricker" was aired on an Italian television, but I may be wrong). I remember I felt that every character was so sympathetic and easy to agree with, that I immediately loved the movie. In fact, at that age (more or less 15), I was a little awkward in the same way as Ralph was, and I would have liked to have been more self-confident like Tommy (incidentally, Lucas Evans and Anthony Rogers act great, with just minor flaws, which - in my opinion – contribute to render the movie even more realistic). Moreover, I must admit it's always a pleasure to hear different English accents (mainly Canadian and Australian) as is possible in this movie: being a non-native speaker of English I always appreciate it when I can "feel" these differences, which are easy to catch, since, in this case, the linguistic level is not that difficult. To sum up: congratulations to the director and... too bad that the young actors didn't go on acting (at least, to the best of my knowledge).

i saw this movie when i was very young and i remember that i enjoyed it. i don't remember very many details of the movie, but maybe this will give you an idea before you watch it. it was kind of difficult to understand what was going on in certain parts. it is often funny in a random way. the acting is kind of weird sometimes, at least that is what i though. your opinion of the movie will depend on what you are expecting out of the movie. if you are expecting great acting and an excellent storyline, you might be disappointed. as long as you begin watching it with an open mind, you should be okay. but it really is entertaining for younger viewers. that is, ones that watch more than just animated programs.

You can usually pick out the work of Rock Demers/Michael Rubbo and the French-Canadian Disney of the North (I meant that in a complimentary way). First, there are no loud, screaming car-chases or machine guns; next, the pace is slow, and the audience has to think along with the cast; third, the kids treat the adults and each other with politeness and respect.....what a novel thought!!! Probably his best effort, 6/10+.

I have a few vague memories of watching this on cable years and years ago, laughing at it with my brothers and sister the first time through, then, later, grudgingly admitting that I'd enjoyed it. I can recall only bits and pieces of the actual film, though: some of the characters shrinking themselves onto stamps (was there a dance or a chant involved?), a chase through a bus station (or was it an airport?), and, finally, a scene with a dragon kite in China. I always meant to catch the sequel, but, alas, I kept missing it. The original, anyway, was very imaginative, very fun, and I would love to see it put out on DVD - or at least show up on cable again.