Mia and the Migoo

Gr all levels—This feature from the French animation studio, Folimage, is in the style of Japanese anime. Mia, a young girl, sets off on a journey to find her father and encounters supernatural beings protecting a natural world that is at risk because of the destructive behavior of humans. Mia's father, at work on the construction of a secluded resort that will destroy the ancient Tree of Life, is trapped underground by a landslide. During her journey, Mia meets a scary witch who inexplicably cuts Mia's hair short and tells her about the Migoo, forest spirits who will assist her in her quest. The Migoo, the protectors of the Tree of Life, are silly and unreliable. Most children will find their antics annoying rather than humorous. The story's villain, the resort project manager, is a greedy, reprehensible, unfeeling man. His unlikely epiphany comes when his son jumps out of a helicopter with Mia to save the Tree of Life. The characters, voiced by John Maggio, Whoopie Goldberg Matthew Modine, Wallace Shawn, and James Woods—are simply vehicles to deliver a thoroughly predictable ecological message. While the hand-painted background scenes are beautiful, they stand in stark contrast to the crudely drawn, cartoon-like characters. The Migoo are especially uninspiring. The film's style invites viewers to draw a parallel between this work and Miyazaki's stunning and magical films—and this production is sure to be found lacking. It's slow pace and predictability will make it difficult for viewers to remain focused.—Constance Dickerson, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, OH