FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE YET TO SEE MY FATHER’S DRAGON, THIS IS A NON-SPOILER REVIEW.

Lost in the Reel’s video review for My Father’s Dragon

The Irish Studio Cartoon Saloon has quickly made a name for itself with its exquisite hand-drawn animated films.  Their past pictures The Secret of Kells, Song of The Sea, and Wolfwalkers all found inspiration from cultural folklore… and in the process, transported us into magical worlds that both entertained and enlightened.  They have become one of my personal favorite independent animation houses and consequently, any upcoming projects, like My Father’s Dragon, shoot straight to the top of my most anticipated films lists.  

Their last movie, which was distributed by Apple TV+, Wolfwalkers… is considered by some to be their magnum opus.  So, it was always going to be tough to follow that up.  Yet I had high hopes for My Father’s Dragon, which is based on a series of books from the 40’s and 50’s that I quite enjoyed as a child.  But, unfortunately I found this to be quite a big step backwards for Cartoon Saloon.  While all of their past films were suitable for all ages, they all had a maturity and wisdom that elevated them above most of the kiddie fare that comes out nowadays.  But, My Father’s Dragon feels far more trivial and strictly for young children. 

WHAT IS MY FATHER’S DRAGON ALL ABOUT?

Struggling to cope after a move to the city with his mother, Elmer runs away in search of Wild Island and a young dragon who waits to be rescued. The boy soon becomes fast friends with the Dragon, but the two must think on their feet (or wings) to save the island and outrun a horde of ferocious beasts.

HOW IS THE ANIMATION? AND THE VOICE ACTING?

There are, of course, things to celebrate within this movie.  The animation, while far more underwhelming compared to the intricate work in their Irish Folklore Trilogy… is still sumptuous to look at.  There are so many bright colors and creative character designs, that I was fully captivated by the visuals from beginning to end.  The voice cast is also (mostly) phenomenal.  Jacob Tremblay now seems to be the go-to guy for voicing young heroes in animation, after his inspired turn in Luca.  And he proves exactly why that is here; capturing all the emotion, fear, and childlike wonder in his performance. Ian McShane is also a huge standout as Saiwa, the protector of Wild Island.  I really love that the writers have crafted a villain whose intentions are honest and good, but misguided.  McShane is able to balance being both menacing and a comforting protector, to great effect.  

On the not so great side of the voice acting… Whoopi Goldberg shows up as a feline friend.  And while the actress is a legend, I find her voice acting to be distracting.  I also can’t help, but note that this is the second animated film this year she has been in, that has been a major disappointment.  Then there’s Stranger Things alum Gaten Mattarazo as our titular dragon, Boris.  Though I am happy to see the young actor spread his wings and get more opportunities outside of the megahit series… I found his work here to be grating.  This is yet another flick about a dragon that is almost ruined by the performance of the voice actor who plays said dragon.  Though Matarazzo doesn’t reach the irritating heights of Awkwafina in Raya… the flat potty jokes and incessant chatter are sadly alive and well here.

THE FILM NEVER GIVES ITSELF A CHANCE TO BREATHE…

And that is the biggest problem with My Father’s Dragon.  Whereas in the past, Cartoon Saloon’s movies came alive in the quieter and contemplative moments… this movie does not allow for any room to breathe.  The characters are constantly talking and there is non-stop manic energy throughout.  It’s as if the filmmakers felt like they couldn’t have any downtime or else kids would tune out.  And I expect this kind of thinking from other animation studios, but Cartoon Saloon knows better.  They have proven that you don’t need to talk down to or overstimulate the kids in the audience, to keep them engaged.  But, with this movie, it’s as if they have completely forgotten that.  

DOES IT HAVE A STRONG EMOTIONAL IMPACT?

I also feel as though the emotional impact that I have gotten from all of their previous works, is noticeably absent here.  I was yearning for that hard-hitting wallop at the end, but it never came. Though I did connect to our lead character and his plight to provide for him and his mother… I was so annoyed by the dragon, that I had a hard time caring about the friendship that was supposed to be the crux of this film.  Without that emotional core, as well as a surprising lack of resonant themes… this feels like a far less memorable and more slight addition to the admittedly strong canon of animated films to come out this year.

While I wouldn’t say that this is an outright misfire from the Irish Animation Studio, I do believe it is a big step in the wrong direction.  Though a lot of Oscar pundits are predicting that My Father’s Dragon is in the running for Best Animated Feature… I’m going to come out and say that I think Cartoon Saloon should probably stay out of the Awards talk this year.  

My Father’s Dragon will be Streaming on Netflix November 11th, 2022.

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