Zog e il topo brigante

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.

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!).

This last Christmas the animation from the BBC was another in a handful of film adapting Donaldson's children's books. This one sees a young dragon learning his trade, and when he keep messing up, there is a young girl around to help him out here and there (a girl who also is struggling to learn her 'trade'). The structure of the lesson allows for an engaging episodic approach to the film, and the events are played out with humor. Not really laugh out loud funny often, but amusing and cheering across it all.

The animation matches the style of the book well, and looks great - Zog himself is a nice character and none of these dragons will cause bad dreams. The plot ends with a positive message which applies to everyone, but in particular leans into the female character for its delivery. It is a very positive message and it was only the cynic in me that rankled a bit at how clunky it was played out - very direct. Of course then I remember I was watching a children's film based on a children's book, so probably it deserves a pass. The voice cast feels overly starry; they do well but some of them feel almost like distractions - they are cast for this film as an 'event', which I suppose is fine as they do work.

Like most of the Donaldson animated films, not the deepest or most impacting film, but enjoyable, accessible, and with a nice easy message.

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.

I was more excited that Zog sees the reunion of Lenny Henry and Tracy Ullman. Two thirds of a Kind!

Julia Donaldson's Zog is about a young dragon that is training how to be a dragon.

The other young dragons learn how to roar, fly or breathe fire quicker and better than Zog.

The accident prone Zog tries his best and hopes to get a medal for his efforts.

When he captures a princess, Zog finds that his true vocation is actually helping others.

A charming animation for Christmas bought from the same team behind The Gruffalo and Stickman. Nicely animated, quirky and kids will enjoy it.