Mitsy's Magnificent Makeover

The most interesting aspect of this semi-musical CGI children's film is that, despite looking like a Jimmy Neutron-level big studio effort, it's actually a two-person DIY project from married voiceover actors-filmmakers Eric and Heather Smith, created in a home office after a more elaborate animated feature fell through. The California couple used common 3D-modeling software, their own plug-ins, and an ersatz voiceover-recording studio to make a Fisher-Price-esque world of hopping, antennae'd, armless humanoids (who manipulate objects via telekinesis). Small-town schoolgirl Mitsy is throwing a birthday party, but fickle classmates spurn her for rich mean-girl Leelu Belle, daughter of a snooty aging supermodel and a laidback rock star. Mitsy and friends Hermie and Falwell discover that Leelu's mom is secretly in league with sinister Dr. Façade, who not only does her high-tech cosmetology but also brews up a mind-control process with which Mrs. Belle can hypnotize the town...and be irresistibly popular. Complete with catchy songs by the gifted Smiths, this is a solid entertainment for youngsters, with a character-building message about self-acceptance. DVD extras include a “making-of” featurette and an interactive game. Recommended. Aud: P. (C. Cassady)