After suffering a loss, the world’s greatest inventor/toy maker (Forest Whitaker showing a gentle and sometimes funny side) ends up in sad seclusion. It’s up to his granddaughter to show up and re-instill his belief in his talent. At first appearance, this attempt at becoming a holiday classic looks like a big-budget Hallmark show and it maintains some of that syrupy feeling as it develops. However, there are a few things that set it apart. Most of the musical numbers are fine, but Madelen Mills’ Miles and Miles and Keegan-Michael Key’s Magic Man G are delightful show stoppers. There are also some lovely animated segments that propel the narrative thru some of the exposition. Overall, it’s a grand staging with lots of innocent energy and attractive storybook styled art direction. Suitably sweet for family holiday spirits.
(3.5 / 5)