Today’s quick review: Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland. One night while trying to sleep, Little Nemo (Gabriel Damon) is summoned to Slumberland by King Morpheus (Bernard Erhard) to play with his daughter, Princess Camille (Laura Mooney). But Nemo accidentally puts all of Slumberland in danger when the roguish Flip (Mickey Rooney) convinces him to open a forbidden door and release the imprisoned Nightmare King (Bill Martin).
Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland is an animated fantasy adventure based on the classic comic strip by Winsor McCay. Little Nemo follows a little boy as his vivid dreams take him to a fantastic world beyond the clouds. The movie features an inventive art style, lovingly crafted animation, and a breezy tone. However, its surreal setting, thin story, and overly childish characters give it less staying power than other family adventures.
Little Nemo is a flight of fancy from start to finish. The premise is an excuse to explore the imaginative world of dreams, a playhouse for Nemo and his friends. Castles and courts, ruined cities, lavish gardens, and gloomy dungeons are just a few of the places that Nemo visits on his journey. Each new scene brings with it lavish backgrounds and kinetic animations, a cavalcade of evocative visuals that perfectly captures the spirit of a child’s dream.
Little Nemo embraces this concept a little too readily, though. The dream logic of the plot leads to disjointed scenes, uncertain stakes, and situations that are one-dimensional. Nemo’s quest to save Slumberland doesn’t have the depth of other fantasy adventures. Although the story hits the beats it needs to, it is lacking in build-up and cohesion. The characters are similarly shallow, capable of fun antics but not much emotional breadth or growth.
Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland is a gorgeous movie whose story does not take full advantage of its creative setting. The care put into its world and animation will make it an enjoyable watch for any fan of the genre, but it remains outclassed by fantasy adventures with richer stories to tell. Those hoping for something a little more well-rounded or mature may want to give it a pass.
For an animated fantasy adventure in the same vein, try Peter Pan, Spirited Away, The Cat Returns, or Inside Out. For a classic live-action movie with much of the same appeal, try The Wizard of Oz.
7.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for impressive visuals coupled with a thin story.