Pros: funny, entertaining, suitable family fantasy, stands up to repeat viewing
Cons: lengthy, predictable moments
The Bottom Line: Magically delicious!
Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie''s plot.
Once upon a time, a young woman lived at the edge of a forest known in one of the many tall towers upon the island of Manhattan. Every day she went to work. She took care of her father, and dutifully visited her grandmother. Virginia thought that she was no one very special, and she was quite certain everyone else knew it too.
She almost never thought about the mother who left them so suddenly years ago. She also never thought about who or where her mother might be now, only that it was somehow her fault her mother chose to leave. If she had only been beautiful enough, talented enough, socially desirable enough... Virginia is sure her mother would have stayed.
Far away in a parallel universe, on one perfectly ordinary day that began like any other, Prince Wendel White begins his coronation tour. Beginning with the Snow White Maximum Security Memorial Prison where he plans to preside over his wicked step-mother's parole hearing, Wendel walks right into the Evil Queen's escape plan!
Transformed into the form of a golden retriever, Wendel runs for his life. Winding his way through the prison's storage area, he is pursued by three troll siblings and a potentially bad, although not particularly big, Wolf who do the bidding of his wicked step-mother. Slipping through a forgotten magic mirror, Wendel's only hope of regaining his human form and his kingdom, suddenly lies in the hands of cynical Virgina and her ne'er-do-well father.
In the tradition of all great kings and queens of the Nine Kingdoms, Prince Wendel is now firmly stuck in his own fairy tale! Will anyone besides the powerful and devious Queen be able to find a happily ever after?
~~~~~~~~~ My Thoughts ~~~~~~
"No, no! "Rare" implies dangerously cooked. When I say rare I mean just let it look at the oven in terror, then bring it out to me." Wolf
Released in February of 2000, this made for TV mini-series is a truly delightful fantasy adventure for viewers of all ages! At a full run time of just over 400 minutes, 10th Kingdom holds up very well for repeat viewing, but does require more than a single sitting. The humor, enchanting characters, and general story manages to be entertaining and appropriate for adults and kids alike, with a minimum of mild language along the way.
It did not receive an abundance of attention or praise during it's initial release, but fantasy fans continue to devour this wonderful piece on DVD where it can be enjoyed at leisure. I particularly enjoy the marvelous sense of humor that permeates the 10th Kingdom from beginning to end.
The interplay of the three troll siblings, the unlikely romance between Virgina and Wolf, pokes at our own society, and the over the top fairytale dilemmas and situations that are found throughout the film are enchanting through every viewing. 10th Kingdom has just enough moments of cynicism, darkness and deeper thought to round out the outrageous characters and running gags.
"Ya got wool on your face, Ya big disgrace! Waving your fleece all over the place! Singing, we will we will shear you!" Virginia
Written by Simon Moore, 10th Kingdom did win an Emmy for Outstanding Main Title Design. The diverse and talented cast have a wonderful chemistry, and did a marvelous job of bringing the people and world of 10th Kingdom to life.
Light or dark, everyone in our family has a favorite scene that we wait for eagerly each time around. The singing ring's rant and Virginia's improvised song for the Shepherdess contest, built around Queen's "We Will Rock You" are Must See moments for everyone!
Like all good fairy tales though, our heroes are in search of more than just a happy ending. Each one must learn to recognize and overcome their own shortcomings, and like people everywhere, some emerge from their fairy tale stronger... and some discover that they do not have enough faith in themselves to break free of their self-imposed illusions and capture a real happy ending. Their combined journey of self-discovery however, continues to entertain, fascinate and inspire us.
"You are still lost in the forest. But lonely, lost girls like us can rescue themselves. You are standing on the edge of greatness. " Snow White
Recommended:
Yes
Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12
