La Sorcière dans les airs

My daughters (2 and 4) love the book, so I was excited when I saw a movie version on Netflix a few days ago. They have watched it over and over and over. So I'd say this short is a huge success with the target audience.

I get a kick out of the lower reviews marking it down for unsophisticated humor. But aside from my little ones loving it, I appreciate the sweetness of the story, which is essentially about belonging. Not fitting in, but belonging - two very different concepts. I also appreciate the simple and beautiful communication between the characters as there is very little dialogue.

This film is very funny and has great animation. I enjoyed that they quote directly from one of my favorite old books, "Room On the Broom" by Julia Donaldson. I also like how the words all rhyme. I watched it with a toddler and he loved the movie because he liked making the "WHOOSH" noise when they took off. He also enjoyed all the different animals and the repetitiveness. Overall the film is magical.

Room On the Broom is about a witch and her cat. They go on a trip and the witch drops something from her broom. She flies down to get it and a wild animal finds it. When they give it back they ask her if they can come with her. Meanwhile, a scary monster is chasing them, but they don't know. This happens three times and soon there are so many creatures on the broom that it becomes too heavy.

I like the animation because it is very detailed. I imagine that it must have taken a lot of hard work to make this film. The expressions of the characters are very amusing and made me laugh. I also enjoyed the music because it sets the mood for each scene. My favorite part is when the monster has the witch and it seems like she's doomed. I like this part because it is a twist on the rest of the film. It is also the scariest part of the film. I like this scene because it is action packed and you wonder if they'll escape. The cast includes Simon Pegg as the narrator and Gillian Anderson as the witch's voice. The four animals are played by Rob Brydon, Martin Clunes, Sally Hawkins and David Walliams.

The story is about a witch who meets lot of creatures that become her friends and then save her. The moral of this film is to be kind and make friends and it emphasizes the importance of friendship. Parents could have their children read the book along with the narrator and that would enhance their learning experience.

I give this film 4 ½ out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 2 to 8. I think parents would enjoy watching with their younger kids. It is available now on DVD so, go check it out.

Reviewed by Rohan F, KIDS FIRST!

Bob the Moo (whose reviews on IMDb I adore) described this movie as "Slight but enjoyable family animation" and I couldn't have said it any better myself. The short film is a wonderful thing for kids and parents to watch with them--and I'm sure they'll enjoy it immensely. But, I was perplexed that it was nominated for the Oscar for Best Animated Short. It's good but nothing more. Plus, while I normally like to root for the shorts made by young filmmakers, the Disney film "Get a Horse!" is just light-years ahead of the pack--and I don't see how "Room on the Broom" could offer it any serious competition.

"Room on the Broom" plays like a kid's book because apparently it IS from a kid's book. This British production reminds me a lot of another nominee from the UK--"The Gruffalo". It also was a wonderful film for young kids (they'll adore it) but artistically I couldn't understand the nomination.

The story is of a nice witch who is flying about with her cat. Through the course of the film, she picks up several new friends--a dog, a bird and a frog. But how can she carry them all on her broom--especially when it breaks?! Cute, fun and a treat for kids. But not a film that says anything more to me.

While it is definitely aimed at a younger, more easily pleased audience, this is a very charming animation with cute characters that you can't help but find appealing.

It doesn't really take you anywhere, despite being a story about a journey, but I don't think that it was aiming to. It's just meant to be an easy and simple tale to entertain children and in that it succeeds.

I don't think it was worth paying for Gillian Anderson for the few lines she had though.

I have to say that I resonated with the cat, because I don't like to share my human either, but occasionally I can make an allowance to let others in.

I actually don't know any of the Julia Donaldson books from my own childhood, so these TV film shorts are my only reference to the stories and they seem to show what a great storyteller she is.

664.15/1000.

Beautifully told, animated and implemented. Simply a wonderful film for children but also adults with a big heart for the little details.