Davie & Golimyr

Davie & Golimyr serves up a stop-motion animated fairy tale reworking of the David and Goliath story, minus the specific biblical names and setting. Golimyr (voiced by John Schneider), a nasty giant laying waste to the peaceful island kingdom of the Zites, accepts a proposal to forgo wholesale destruction if he will face the realm's champion. Unfortunately, the only contender to step forward is little slingshot-carrying pear-farmer Davie, who's already failed a test for military service. But Davie's faith in God—coupled with a bit of help from his sheep Chops—will ultimately serve him (predictably) well. Davie & Golimyr features solid messages—size doesn't always matter, believe in yourself, etc.—but the animation (based on the art of James C. Christensen) is both clumsy and visually unattractive, while the script is written entirely in a singsong doggerel that quickly grows tiresome. Presented with a framing device featuring an old storyteller (which appears to suggest future installments), this lackluster effort is not recommended. Aud: P. (F. Swietek)