Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
Director: Adam Gunn, Icon Film Distribution
Special animation motivates, enchants and surprises audiences. It shows them something they’ve not seen, and makes them think of something they’ve not imagined.
Such is the case as Mia, and the lands of Centopia, spring to cinematic life.
Mia and Me is set in an escapist land that’s full of magic, elves and unicorns.
When Mia returns to her old family summer home for the first time since her parents’ death, she is suddenly taken back into the unicorn world of Centopia through the magical portal. There she meets Iko, an elf from Lotus Island, who desperately needs her help. Toxor, a monstrous, toad-like, vindictive villain, is taking over Lotus Island, transforming its fabulous citizens into an army of will-less henchmen with his dark magic.
Mia, and her old and new friends, must band together to follow in the footsteps of the mythical heroine of Centopia and unite three ancient, magical power stones to defeat Toxor. When faced with the biggest villain Centopia has ever known, Mia will learn what it really means to be a hero, and that true strength lies not in the power to defeat an enemy, but in the courage to treat an enemy in need ― as a friend.
During Mia’s adventure we meet characters old and new, as well as visit mystic lands never seen in the Mia and Me series. Along the way, Mia discovers that her mother was once the Hero of Centopia, in fact, her mother was the one who locked Toxor in his tomb in the first place.
By learning more about her mother, and who she really was, Mia can come to terms with her loss. This gives her a renewed motivation to stop Toxor’s evil and to finish what her mother started many years ago.
Gunn explores themes of loss, friendship, fear and healing. In keeping with the tradition of the TV show, the story is book-ended with live action sequences.
The voice cast includes Margot Nuccetelli (Mia); Alex Beauman (Iko); Rove McManus (Phuddle); and Dave Willetts (Grandpa).
- Mia and Me: The Hero of Centopia releases in cinemas on 27 October
