Arnie the Doughnut

Based on the 2003 picture book Arnie the Doughnut, written and illustrated by Laurie Keller, this animated adaptation is initially a mite disturbing. Narrated by Michael McKean, the story opens in a bakery where the titular pastry—an ordinary sprinkle-dusted doughnut—rubs confectionary shoulders, so to speak, with crullers, bear claws, cinnamon twists, apple fritters, éclairs, and a variety of powdered, glazed, jelly- and cream-filled doughnuts. Not surprisingly, the sugary talking treats are steadily being slipped into customer's bags, after which they are (presumably) eaten alive. When Arnie was picked out by a Mr. Bing, taken home, and ceremoniously laid upon a breakfast plate, my own stomach started to turn a little queasy (and I'm nearly 50). To my relief, Arnie was not consumed: instead man and doughnut each make a list of alternate destinies for Arnie, with Mr. Bing opting for decidedly utilitarian solutions (doorstop, paperweight), while Arnie sets his sights considerably higher (dance partner, for example). I won't reveal the ending, except to say that it is both clever and erases the uneasiness of the first part of the tale. Backed by a solid musical score from Scotty Huff and Robert Reynolds, this nicely animated tale about a doughnut with bigger aspirations than a one-way trip down the alimentary canal is recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (R. Pitman)