Storm Crashers

This is a phrase in my homeland. In this context, it can be used approximately like this: the newer the year of a Western cartoon, the fewer normal examples there are. You can count the good ones by the fingers of one hand. And I am not even talking about the depth of the plot, but rather about the production inside it, graphics, dialogues, or motivation of the characters. I am also horrified by the fact that there are so many people who defend such works. If you are not particularly picky about the quality of a movie or cartoon and you are satisfied with "chewing gum for the brain" - please, this may occupy you and you may even like it, but for others I do not recommend it at all.

If I had a nickel for everytime a movie based on Don Quixote was released in the 2020's... I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it'd be weird that it happened twice.

Overall, this movie is not pleasing to the eyes, having a CGI style with unflattering character designs; the fact that the 2D concept art in the credits is so lively only makes this a bigger sin. If it has one redeeming quality, it's the depiction of Spain's mountains, which look gorgeous.

Some odd creative decisions include having the Panzas be scientists, one of the henchmen having a weirdly swolen neck, three imaginary rabbits that have no impact in the plot and a jittery rate frame that makes movements look bizarre and unnatural.

The villain is a generic cliché and the story doesn't seem consistent with how ruthless he is given a scene I won't spoil. This movie has an environmentalist message, though it's also anti-gentrification so kudos I guess.

Overall a disjointed mess.

"Giants of La Mancha" sweeps viewers into a whimsical world filled with adventure, heart, and imagination. Drawing inspiration from the timeless tale of Don Quixote, the film introduces us to the spirited Alfonso Quijote and his loyal companion, Pancho Panza, as they embark on a daring quest to save their village.

One of the film's standout qualities is its captivating animation, which brings the fantastical landscapes of La Mancha to life with stunning detail and vibrant colors. From rolling hills to towering windmills, each scene is beautifully crafted, immersing viewers in a visually stunning experience.

But it's not just the visuals that shine in "Giants of La Mancha." The film's charming characters and heartfelt story are equally captivating. Alfonso, Pancho, and their friends are endearing and relatable, each with their own strengths and flaws that make them feel authentic and relatable.

"Giants of La Mancha" also introduces us to Victoria, a character who adds depth and emotion to the story. As Alfonso's secret crush, Victoria is not just a love interest but a strong and independent character in her own right. With her cool demeanor and unwavering determination, she becomes an integral part of the adventure, proving that courage knows no bounds.

Throughout the film, Victoria's presence serves as a source of inspiration for Alfonso and his friends. Her unwavering support and belief in their mission fuel their determination to overcome obstacles and face their fears. Victoria's character development adds layers of complexity to the narrative, highlighting the importance of friendship and solidarity in the face of adversity.

As the story reaches its emotive ending, viewers are treated to a heartwarming conclusion that celebrates the power of hope and resilience. Without giving away spoilers, the climax of "Giants of La Mancha" is both poignant and uplifting, leaving audiences with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. It's a testament to the film's masterful storytelling and character development, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll.

Just watched this at the cinema. Wow, is it bad. There's a fart gag, or similar every few minutes. For some reason, in the last few scenes there's a mime for no other reason than cheap laughs. Nobody laughed. Seriously, maybe one in eight gags got a reaction from the audience despite being mostly children.

Animation was average at best. In particular the lead character, Alfonso, looked cheap as if they had purchased the model from some animation stock library.

The script and story lacked any sensibility. Some scenes just didn't make any sense at all. The imaginary characters could have played a major part in the movie, but were just some weird subplot. There are so many better kids movies out there.

It is a different movie to watch with the family. It has a nice message and a lot of humor, the rabbits are great! Cute characters, great art design and photography. It has a handmade appearance that makes it look similar to Laika projects but brighter. At times the editing is a little fast but perhaps it is appropriate for the current times. We were surprised by the quality of animation, especially for being an independent film. It remind me to The Goonies or Stand by me. It has many movie references, we loved that. The ending is very emotional and the story in general made us talk a lot as a family after the movie.