Shopkins Chef Club

How many shades of Day-Glo pink, magenta, and fuchsia are there? Loads, at least in this shallow, generic movie based on a toy franchise. Shopkins are quarter-sized collectible figures based on food and home items, who have Shoppies human friends. The film kicks off with Bubbleisha calling the gang, super-excited (“O-m-double-g!”) about a new cooking academy. Various friends—including Lippy Lips, Kooky Cookie, and Jessicake—break into teams as the shy new Shoppie Peppa Mint conducts a culinary competition. All is fun as the pals enjoy grocery store shenanigans and mishaps while putting together recipes, including a Chili Chocolate Leaning Tower of Licorice. But an attention-hungry Bubbleisha goes to disturbing lengths to win (including scaring the wares off a moody Gum-Gum Fruit tree, and creating an out-of-control Upside Down Loopy Hoopy Soup that places one friend in danger). Totally superficial, but also packed with snappy pop songs and energetic characters, this is sure to be popular. A strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)