The movie teaches lessons without preaching, and focuses on the magic of relationships rather than that of special effects. This leads to a production as affecting for adults as for children.

Genuinely charming, this children's fantasy is the perfect antidote to Pokemon mania: Younger kids should be entranced, while their older brothers and sisters may just pick up on its gentle critique of a movie culture in which action figures and tie-in toys are all-important.

Like many of the classic works for children, it is finally about the rough passage to adulthood, and Hal Scardino's ability to convey that change is another reason why even in a year of wonders for children this quiet film still manages to impress.

Fine enlarged production design and effects, and appealing acting from the little and the large.

Surprisingly well-done nearly all the way around, this neither plays down to its target audience, nor fumbles the inherent childhood fantasy of the story.