Film review: 'Zambezia' is a bit old and dated

Film: Zambezia
Cast: Abigail Breslin, Jeff Goldblum, Samuel L. Jackson, Richard E. Grant, Jennifer Lewis, Leonard Nimoy, Jim Cummings
Director: Wayne Thornley
Rating: *1/2

What’s it about
Birds, fishes, lizards, snails, animation studios have made films with every possible species on the planet in the last few years. In the film we visit the colourful world of a falcon named Kai who learns important life lessons through his visit to the city of Zambezia. There is also a subplot about Kai’s obsession about making it to the ranks of an elite force by pleasing their leader.

What’s hot
There is a feel good factor in the story line and the voice overs are decent. The South African canvass and landscape is an added attraction with the artistes trying to capture the natural beauty of the place.

What’s not
Predictability seeps in early on in the film. There is nothing that is new or hasn’t been done before. In an age where every animation film breaks a new ground, Zambezia looks a bit old and dated. We wish the production values were better and more attention was paid to the story line. Also the humour is weak and the birds lose the fluffy cuteness before we start getting interested in the plot.

What to do
Watch Happy Feet or Rio if a feathered fable is what you seek to enjoy.

Here is the trailer of the film: