Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.0|5.0
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Horrid Henry—could
have been a truly outstanding children’s film. But, unlike films like The Cat In The Hat, The Lorax, and Horton Hears a Who!, that completely
capture the spirit of the Dr. Seuss’ stories for outstanding movie experiences,
Horrid Henry fails to capture the
essence of the original Horrid Henry book
series. In that failure, it also fails as a movie. Script writer Lucinda
Whitely and Director Nick Moore have created confusion in their character
presentation. The focus should be 96 percent on Horrid Henry’s character.
Instead, the film waivers between too many good, strong characters who seem to
overpower the persona of Horrid Henry. If the producers had chosen to present
this film as an animated film rather than a live action film they may have been
more successful as children’s books often do quite well in the animated format.
Of course, Diary of a Wimpy Kid is
the perfect example of a children’s book that presents itself beautifully in
the live action format while the Horrid
Henry film short circuits from its beginning. This film needs the author’s critical
input. That missing author input which was so significant to the success of movies
like Mary Poppins and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series makes a sequel to Horrid Henry undesirable. Watch for Actress
Angelica Huston’s (from Adams Family
and Adams Family Values) performance
as Horrid Henry’s home room teacher. She’s great, as usual.
Storyline
Henry (Theo
Stevenson) goes to school without his homework. Henry has his friend, Brainy
Brian (Reuben Lee), forge a note for his teacher with the explanation that he
doesn’t have his daily homework because it was destroyed. Miss Battleaxe
(Angelica Huston) knows the note is forged and puts Henry in after school detention.
Later, when the school fails its inspection, Henry initially rejoices; but as
the full impact of the closure is realized, finds that he must save his school,
the teachers, and its students.
Additional Thanks
Thank you to Director
Nick Moore for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Paul
Brett, Allan Niblo, James Richardson, Tim Smith, James Swarbrick, Mike Watts,
and Nigel Williams for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast
include: Vic Van Wrinkle (Richard E. Grant), Miss Lovely (Parminder Nagra), Dad
(Mathew Horne), Ed Banger (Noel Fielding), Great Aunt Greta (Prunella Scales),
Soggy Sid (David Schneider), Demon Dinner Lady (Jo Brand), Mum (Siobhan Hayes),
Rich Aunt Ruby (Helen Lederer), Miss Oddbod (Rebecca Front), and Prissy Polly
(Kimberley Walsh).
Buy a ticket? Yes?
No? Maybe?
No. There is more entertainment value in Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Matilda.
Video Critique available at:
Video Critique available at:
Ben Meyers
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