Tinker Bell and the Legend of the Neverbeast

Disney's popular and critically-acclaimed spin-off franchise starring the beloved fairy from Peter Pan returns in this uncharacteristic (in more ways than one) sixth entry in the candy-colored CGI-animated series. To begin with, Tinker Bell (voiced by Mae Whitman) is clearly a secondary character here, with the spotlight shining instead on Fawn (Ginnifer Goodwin), whose animal-loving tendencies sometimes conflict with the aims of Nyx (Rosario Dawson), head of a band of protective scouts who guard Pixie Hollow from dangerous intruders (such as hawks). Knowing that Nyx would nix her plans, Fawn secretly aids a huge strange creature she discovered—somewhat resembling a scarier version of the flying dog-like beast in The Neverending Story—which she nicknames “Gruff.” Sporting alternately charming and ominous green eyes, Gruff is busy building rock towers to nowhere, which makes no sense—until Nyx gets wind of what's going on and informs Fawn that Gruff is actually the Neverbeast, a creature that returns every millennium to lay Pixie Hollow to waste. Will Fawn, Tink, and their fairy friends follow their hearts or their heads as the time for the Neverbeast's purported destructive rampage draws near? Featuring returning voice cast members including Anjelica Huston, Lucy Liu, Pamela Adlon, and Raven-Symoné, director Steve Loter's film is much darker than any previous Tinker Bell feature, with a Harry and the Hendersons vibe that will put a lump in young (and old) viewers' throats. Also including catchy tunes performed by KT Tunstall, this is recommended. (R. Pitman)