Robinson Crusoe

Very loosely based on Daniel Defoe's castaway classic, this rather classy and fast-paced childrens' animated adventure takes a very different tack in its retelling of the story. It's told from the points of view of the animals on the island Crusoe gets washed up on - especially a parrot, whose mouthy musings provide the movie's voiceover. Excellent Euro-animation and fine 3D somewhat eclipse the standard, stop-start storyline. But some ace action sequences, most notably the climactic final battle against a pack of feral ship's cats, are well worth the wait and watch. But be warned. Some of the darker, more intense sequences may challenge more sensitive young souls. And catch it in 3D if you can, it really does add that extra dimension.