There is something particularly delightful and charming about Mumfie and his friends. There is a refreshing timelessness to the characters and the storyline, that means that children are more likely to focus on the characters and the truly marvellous (and often very funny) songs, than on any relationship to their own lives. The songs are written and performed with a kind of tongue- in-cheek epic Broadway bravado, and often a real emotional kick. I will never forget Gotta Dance, Gotta Whistle, Gotta Sing!
There is also a wonderful level of kooky logic that drives the story along. Once you begin to accept that grumpy Scarecrow has been taught how to walk again by Mumfie, that Pinkie - a lost little pig with wings - is looking for her mother, that Whale has had himself fitted out internally like a luxury ocean liner, then you can happily go along with the adventures they encounter on The Island as they try to rescue the Queen of the Night.
Like the animated films of Miyazaki, Mumfie presents a much less black and white moral universe than many kids films, which makes the story not only more engaging and unpredictable, but also provides for really engaging discussions with your kids about who is doing the right and wrong thing - and why.
There is also a wonderful level of kooky logic that drives the story along. Once you begin to accept that grumpy Scarecrow has been taught how to walk again by Mumfie, that Pinkie - a lost little pig with wings - is looking for her mother, that Whale has had himself fitted out internally like a luxury ocean liner, then you can happily go along with the adventures they encounter on The Island as they try to rescue the Queen of the Night.
Like the animated films of Miyazaki, Mumfie presents a much less black and white moral universe than many kids films, which makes the story not only more engaging and unpredictable, but also provides for really engaging discussions with your kids about who is doing the right and wrong thing - and why.