Should you watch this at weekday movie ticket prices? Yes!
Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? If you like French or animated films, yes.
Score: 3.5/5
Secret ending? No.
Running time: 106 minutes (~2 hours)
“April and the Extraordinary World” is a French animated science fiction drama set in an alternative universe where everything is steam powered. A young girl who holds the secret to invulnerability must keep it safe from those who want to misuse it. The English dub of the film features the voice talents of Angela Galuppo (April), Tony Hale (Darwin), Tony Robinow (Pops), Mark Camacho (Paul), Tod Fennell (Julius), Paul Giamatti (Pizoni), Susan Sarandon (Chimene), and J.K. Simmons (Rodrigue). It is rated PG.
“April and the Extraordinary World” is so offbeat that it’s amazingly good. Usually, quirky films can quickly go overboard with their strange approaches and weird subject matter. However, “April and the Extraordinary World” manages to pull off a steampunk world with talking animals by forging its own unique style, and pulling together everything into a coherent story. It’s an unorthodox film that’s bursting with new ideas.
Highlights
Darwin is adorable
The talking cat Darwin (Tony Hale) might sound like he belongs in a Disney movie, but he’s much less irritating and even has a reasonable justification for why he can talk. Unlike most cutesy talking animals, he’s plucky, ingenious, and plays a big part in saving the day. He’s useful and insightful, and is a fully developed character rather than being a gimmick to draw young children to the cinema. He looks no different than the usual animated cat, but he ends up growing on you.
Creative without being alienating
The steampunk setting and parallel universe idea is a bold attempt at a high concept film — and it actually works. “April and the Extraordinary World” retains enough elements that are in common with the real world, while adding constant reminders that technology has evolved different in the film. It leaves just enough unanswered to pique your curiosity, while still being familiar enough that you can identify with the characters and situations. It’s the perfect balance of creativeness.
Stylised visuals
The animation looks like it was ripped straight from a comic book and given life. It’s rare to find a feature-length, non-Japanese 2D-animated film these days, and one that’s well done is an even bigger treat. The “Tintin” style art fits in beautifully with the steampunk, oddball world that the protagonist finds herself in. That doesn’t mean it completely eschews 3D, because they use it when it’s logical to do so, like for vehicles. It’s a great example of utilising different techniques when appropriate while still retaining a signature style.
Wacky plot
As much as the plot twists and turns, it never feels contrived or manufactured. That’s because it takes pains to explain as much of the fantasy element as possible, so that it’s all set up properly. Crazy things might happen and the most outrageous plot devices rescue our heroes, but it’s all within the realm of believability because the exposition is subtly folded in everywhere.
Letdowns
English voice acting is off
The original film was in French, so it’s possible that something was lost in translation. Still, “April and the Extraordinary World” has some bumpy voice acting, where the dialogue doesn’t quite match the tone of what’s happening in the scene. It’s serviceable most of the time, but it can get uncomfortable when what’s said and what’s happening don’t seem to be provoking the same emotions.
“April and the Extraordinary World” is a fantastic animated film for all ages, and a wonderful foray into the world of French animation.
“April and the Extraordinary World” opens in cinemas 2 June, 2016 (Thursday).
This review was also published on Yahoo!.
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