Wonder Park

One type of film Hollywood seems to be remiss in supplying more of is that of the family movie. Although I realize that the profit-making demographic is the 18-24 single males-- cha-ching, but I believe it is just as important to provide films that kids can watch as well. Not only is "Wonder Park" a great family film, it is a cleverly executed animated film too.

 

This tells the story of a magnificent amusement park where the imagination of a wildly creative girl named June (Brianna Denski) and her mom (Jennifer Garner) comes alive. One magical day, June is running through the woods to find her way home where she discovers an old rollercoaster car and climbs inside. She suddenly finds herself in Wonderland, an amusement park she had created using her imagination and ultimately put aside. All of her rides and characters are brought to life but are falling into disarray without her. Now, with the help of her fun and lovable park characters including Greta (Mila Kunis), Steve (John Oliver), Boomer (Ken Hudson Campbell), Peanut (Norbert Leo Butz) and others, June will have to put the wonder back in Wonderland before it is lost forever.

 

Others to round out the cast are Matthew Broderick as June's dad, Kenan Thompson as Gus, Ken Jeong as Cooper, Sofia Mali as Young June and Oev Michael Urbas as Bandy.

 

The director in this is not actually credited because the original director, Dylan C. Brown was fired by Paramount for alleged sexual misconduct. He was dismissed close to the ending of production, so co-direction was completed by Robert Iscove, Clare Kilner and David Feiss, however no one was credited. Considering all of the turmoil connected with the directing, this was remarkably helmed effectively well. The characters all had distinct personas which definitely showcases the directing talent. I suspect the vast amount of this film goes to Brown and deserves credit where credit is due. It was creatively written well by Josh Appelbaum and Andre Nemec ("Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" '11, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" '14, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows" '16, "Salamander"  (TV movie) '17) plus a plethora of TV. This was written with an abundance of freshness, originality, imagination and cohesiveness. The only thing I could possibly say to the negative is that it had a couple of small choppy places in the script, otherwise this storyline simply soared. By the trailer, I wasn't expecting anything that I eventually got-- believe me, the trailer doesn't sell this film. The characters are delineated well with positive and different personalities that will definitely resonate with children 5-13 years of age and parents as well.

 

This animated film is exquisitely well designed by Paramount Animation and Ilion Animation Studios, and it had heart and soul, imagination, team work, and self redemption all rolled up in one solid film. The Dolby Atmos sound was incredible as well.

 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                       Rated: PG                                          85mins.