VALIANT

2005, Vanguard Animation

Animation

Rating: G

Approx. 75 mins.

THE STORY:

It is 1944 England, and Valiant (Ewan McGregor) is a small, young pigeon who dreams of joining the elite group of carrier pigeons participating in the war effort. He runs into a mangy, would-be con-pigeon called Bugsy (Ricky Gervais), and the two end up unexpected-- and in Bugsy's case unwilling-- comrades in Royal Homing Pigeon training camp. The two manage to overcome their own obstacles and go on to become heroes. 

QUESTIONABLE LANGUAGE:

• some innuendo that will be lost on younger viewers

VIOLENCE:

• some fighting and chase scenes, but no violence

TEACHING POINTS:

• believe in yourself and you can achieve your goals

THE UPSHOT:

The setting doesn't seem ideal for a kids' movie, but it works. There is no actual combat shown and all of the characters are pigeons, which makes it all seem a lot safer. It's like an homage to the wartime movie genre with the dashing military hero, the strict but fair drill sergeant, the posh-accented stiff-upper lipped commanders.

The script is pithy, the voices well done, and Ricky Gervais hilarious. Although the central themes are hardly original, the treatment is. I knew what was going to happen all along, but I still enjoyed the journey. The 6 year-old in the room also liked the animated birds, the slightly crude humour, and the happy ending.

Best thing I've seen in a while.
  

4/5