I don’t think Chicken Little will lay a Toy Story-sized golden egg for Disney - but it’s certainly no turkey either.
Plot: Chicken Little has cried wolf so many times that no one believes him when aliens land in his town.
It’s just that the Walt’s latest kiddies cartoon is a little undercooked by the film giant’s usual sparkling standards. Having said that, kids will love this latest cartoon offering and it’s a dead cert for packed houses over half-term.
There’s no denying the Little’un himself is totally cute with his specs and tiny Chicken McNugget-sized frame. He’s a loveable but hapless kid who tries so hard but never gets anything right-he can’t even cross the road without getting into trouble.
Yep, they used that joke too.
It’s being billed as Disney’s first computer-animated film but I wonder whether the super-duper technology has detracted from the storytelling a little. Chicken Little is about as popular as a dose of bird flu when he mistakes a falling acorn for the sky crashing down.
Just when he’s beginning to live it down, a bit of sky really does fall in and he’s forced to save the world with the help of his zany animal friends.
A cartoon like this should be littered with clever moments and as usual there are loads of references to classic films for mum and dad and a couple of scenes - including a random Spice Girls karaoke moment - which are so weird you’ve got to laugh.
The finale, where aliens swoop down on Chickenville, is brilliant.
And Chicken Little (voiced by Zach Braff-that bloke with the big nose in Scrubbs) not only saves the day in the movie, he does it for the film because he’s just so adorable.
This won’t go down as a Disney classic but it’s not bad at all. And it will certainly keep the brats entertained, although there are times when adults might like to take the opportunity for a well-earned snooze.