AS A GROWN MAN, WITH growing teenagers, you’d think I’d be well-and-truly past enjoying a good movie that’s … um … a cartoon. However, I cannot tell a lie. My name is Mike, and I love cartoons.
There was a time, as a kid, when my cruel parents wouldn’t allow us to watch TV during the ‘play-outside’ summer months. And, suffering from FOMO (fear of missing out), I would sneak to a mate’s house after school to watch Godzilla – a legendary cartoon in the early 80s. Sadly, I missed most episodes and had to make-do listening to my friends recount Godzilla’s conquests at school. But when Mum and Dad finally gave in (under pressure) and the TV was turned back on, Saturday morning cartoons on What Now became a firm favourite. I could take or leave Thingee and Frank Flash, but the cartoons … oh yeah!
Not much has changed, apart from the fact it’s all about computer animation these days – nary a hand-drawn picture to be seen! And much to my older kids’ disgust, I still enjoy a good animated film. So when I had the opportunity recently to check out a full-feature animation movie, not yet released upon the masses, I didn’t take too much convincing …
On a wet and windy winter’s night, while my oldest kids were at some birthday party, my youngest girl and I sat down and watched MOSLEY, a timeless adventurous tale of family, love and hope …
MOSLEY tells the story of a four-legged ‘Thoriphant’ and his family, living an arduous life under the oppression of their cruel human masters. An unexpected discovery in a cave by his son, Rue, suggests that Thoriphants weren’t always the bent-backed creatures they are now; that they were once strong and powerful … and stood UPRIGHT.
Mosley embarks on an epic journey to find the legendary Uprights in an attempt to free his family from a life of servitude, and save Rue from being sold to another farmer. Pursued by the brutal hunter Warfield, Mosley is forced to face his fears and stand up to his enemies … and in turn, unlocks the magic, revealing his true nature.
Visually, this is an impressive movie, and its heart-warming story will melt even the hardest critic. In fact, you’d think this was something from DreamWorks or Pixar … only, it’s not. Produced by New Zealand’s very own Huhu Studios, based in Snells Beach, it’s the first feature co-production between New Zealand and China, and contains a ‘who’s who’ of superstar voice talent. Popular funny-man Rhys Darby is joined by former Warrior Princess Lucy Lawless, Temuera Morrison and John Rhys-Davies.
Due for release in theatres on October 10, Mosley is definitely one for the family. In fact, my teenage kids turned up with about 30 minutes to go and joined us in the lounge. They too were soon engrossed in the story … although their annoying questions (as they were trying to catch up) made me wish they had stayed at the party a little longer.
