Princess & The Goblin, The MPAA Rating: G Entertainment: +2 Content: -1/2

Irene, a beautiful young princess, lives in a castle on the edge of a forest with her widowed father, the king. Irene and her nanny often take walks in the forest. One day the nanny falls asleep under a tree, leaving Irene and her faithful kitty companion, Turnip, to explore. They become lost and frightened by strange animal-like creatures taunting them, their eyes glowing in the dark. A terrified, crying princess suddenly hears a beautiful song, and looks up to see a young boy named Curdie, the son of a local miner. He leads her back to safety, explaining that the creatures she saw are goblins who can be frightened away by music. The goblins live in caves and tunnels far below the ground, where they are secretly plotting to take control of the entire kingdom of the sun people. Meanwhile, Irene has stumbled upon the ghost of her great grandmother in a secret tower of the castle. The great grandmother tells Irene the magic within her will watch over the princess and keep her safe. This animated fairy tale lacks the quality of Disney productions, but youngsters who like stories about beautiful princesses, handsome heros and villainous creatures will enjoy it.

The silly goblins pick their noses and their grotesque features are frightening. Scarier are the perils Irene and Curdie endure in the tunnels and caves while spying on the goblins. Curdie is trapped and imprisoned by the sinister creatures and Irene risks her life to save him. He later saves her life when she is kidnapped. Much fighting, sword threats, kicks, falls and a flooded mine provide excitement. While the adults in the screening audience were concerned about their children being frightened by the graphic cartoon violence, the kids remained calm, even restless. When asked if she were scared by the film, a four-year-old responded, “No, because it wasn't real.” Most children seem to have become de-sensitized to cartoon violence - now that's scary. Hopefully, most will understand that magic isn't real either. While magic appears in most fairy tales, the ghost tells the princess that magic is inside everyone if they will find it. This New Age philosophy will not set well with Christians. Also, the song Curdie sings to frighten away the goblins has the line, “... a note more beautiful than any prayer.” With some explanation from parents about the power of magic versus the power of God, THE PRINCESS & THE GOBLIN may not mislead children. Still, there is a hint of New Age thought, and sensitive youngsters may be frightened by the goblins.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Hemdale Pictures Corp., 7966 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048