The Land of Sometimes, a new animated fantasy film, boasts an impressive voice cast including Ewan McGregor, Helena Bonham Carter, Mel Brooks, and the late Terry Jones. However, the film's focus on two unlikable young protagonists proves to be its undoing.
The story follows twins Elise and Alfie, who wish themselves into a magical world and embark on various adventures. Unfortunately, Elise is described as deeply annoying, while Alfie is nondescript, making the film a chore to watch. The stars are largely sidelined, with the children occupying most of the runtime.
Tim Rice's involvement as lyricist also disappoints, with lines like 'Come on make a wish, do not be afraid of this' feeling like recycled material. The film's world is criticised as an ersatz DreamWorks storyworld, with visuals resembling a screensaver and dialogue blending cod-Roald Dahlisms with pseudo-inspirational messages.
McGregor, voicing the Wish Collector, delivers lines such as 'You don't need wishes, you never did, you just needed each other', but even his efforts cannot elevate the thin material. The film is ultimately a lacklustre entry in children's animation.
