Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure. 77 minutes. Rated G. Directed by Klay Hall; Written by Evan Spiliotopoulos from a story by Klay Hall.
Tinker Bell has come a long way since her inception in J M Barrie's play (1904) and novel (1911) Peter and Wendy, which would eventually morph into the classic Disney animation Peter Pan (1953). Introduced by Barrie as "a common fairy", Tinker Bell was famous for her moody and occasionally obstreperous behaviour, and at the end of the novel, she was dead.
Tinker Bell has also long been the unofficial mascot of Walt Disney Pictures. It is her that, for decades, tapped her magic wand over the company's logo and it is her, still, that creates a beautiful arc of fairy dust over the stunning new animated logo sequence that announces the studio's films today. Given her iconic status in the Disney oeuvre, it's peculiar that they have taken as long as they have to elevate her from 'logo duty' into a leading role; but if this glorious film is any indication (and there are two more in pre-production), the situation has finally been remedied. And what an absolute delight it is!
Tinker Bell (perfectly voiced by Mae Whitman) is chosen to create a ceremonial sceptre that, by incorporating the rare and precious blue moonstone, will provide the fairies of Pixie Hollow with enough blue fairy dust to replenish the Pixie Dust Tree. When her well-meaning best friend Terrence (an endearing Jesse McCartney) inadvertently wreaks havoc in her workshop, our adorable Tinker Bell must travel 'north of Neverland' in search of a magic mirror that will enable her to repair the damage and complete her important task.
Lovingly crafted and visually magnificent, Disney have lavished a dazzling array of talent on this little masterpiece. The lavish colour palette, environments and lighting are reminiscent of the magic of James Cameron's Avatar, and while the script labours early on with the odd long and literal sequence which may begin to bore the really little ones, the majestic artistry of the animation and the perils of the Tinker Bell's engrossing adventure, will keep the majority of the audience wide-eyed, stunned and amazed.
Most fantastically, Tinker Bell has rightfully assumed her long-overdue leading-lady status. She is one smart, feisty, inventive and clever little fairy and, with a gloriously imagined supporting cast of fairies and creatures (including a scene-stealing firefly called 'Blaze'), this is destined to become a much-loved addition to the collection that may well inspire a whole new generation of young girls to treasure their friendships (even with all their flaws), and believe not only in themselves, but in all that it is possible to achieve. And in the current environment of boys-own adventures where the girls are relegated to second-tier supporting players, that is really something to celebrate!
This review was commissioned by the Geraldton Newspapers Group and was published in the print edition of the Midwest Times.
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