Faeries

Faeries and hobgoblins and celebrity voice talent, oh my! Kate Winslet, Jeremy Irons, Dougray Scott and Jane Horrocks lend their vocal cords (and names) to this reasonably enchanting production which originally debuted on STARZ! earlier this year. Melding standard cell animation with computer animation, Faeries follows the magical adventures of a sibling pair named George and Nellie, who, on a country stay, discover the entrance to Faerie Land. Irons, essentially reprising his role as Scar from The Lion King (here he plays an evil shapeshifter trying to wrest control of the Faerie kingdom from his fair-minded brother), is a serviceable villain (surrounded by the Disney de rigueur double doofus sidekicks), while Winslet and Scott, as a human girl and the Faerie Prince, respectively, are fine as the romantic couple. But the real attraction for young viewers will be neither the standard issue plot nor the quality characterizations, but rather the nifty computer effects, including a Return of the Jedi inspired bee-back riding chase scene through the forest. Sure to be popular, this light entertainment is recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)