Samantha And The Troll

Although a tad rough around the edges, Samantha and the Troll has so much spunk and basic goodheartedness that it's hard to be harsh on it. Shot on video, this live action musical stars Beth Hill as Samantha, a tough-as-nails puppy who must contend with her three puppy brothers (who constantly tease her about being a "girl.") When Samantha sings "No One Wants To Play With Me," it's a reminder to children just what it's like to be the ostracized one in a group situation. Fortunately, the mother of the pups steps in and counsels them about playing together. Out picking fruit, Samantha and her brothers come to a bridge that has a warning sign. Samantha, the smart pup, senses danger and decides not to accompany her brothers. The boy pups, on the other hand, merely call her a sissy and strut off--right into the waiting arms of the local troll. Fortunately for the boy pups, Samantha returns and outsmarts the troll. Although the pacing is off in a few places (sometimes the songs are a bit too long for the limited action that is occurring), Samantha and the Troll is a good program for kids, with a strong female lead. Recommended. (Available from: The Learning For Fun Group, 416 Land Drive, Harvest, AL 35749.)