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In a world where anyone can make a feature film these days and it can be just about any topic imaginable; it seems only appropriate that Disney would take one of its most beloved and popular characters and gives her a starring role. TinkerBell has entertained millions since first appearing in Peter Pan and has become almost as synonymous with the name Disney as the mouse himself. Still, she always just appeared in back-up roles or as the transitional effect from one scene to another with her magic pixie dust and tingling noise. I see no problem at all with her being given her own film and letting Tink do all the things she does best. But there is one little thing that just doesn’t sit right with me…TinkerBell is not supposed to talk.
Believe it or not, this is not TinkerBell finally going off on her and own and taking a break from Peter Pan so that she can frolic with the rest of the fairies. In some way, this is a prequel to Peter Pan in the way that it takes place before the 1953 film, but not in the way that it really relates to it in any way. TinkerBell is born in a fairy-laden world and wishes to be more then what she is destined for. Her purpose in life is to fix things that are broken and in a quick way so that people do not have to do without. Tink’s name actually stems from her true purpose as a fairy and that’s to “tinker.” Still, she wants more out of life and plans to get it.
All fairies have a particular purpose in life and most of them have something to do in nature such as grow the flowers, or add color to the leaves during different seasons, or even add special little quirks to animals. TinkerBell just isn’t happy with fixing things and wants to party and play all day like the upper-echelon fairies. As Spring draws near and the fairies prepare everything for the coming change in season; TinkerBell’s rebellious antics cause so much commotion that the new season may not come and Winter may end up sticking around. She knows she was wrong and must do whatever it takes to set things right and bring forth Spring.
I hate the fact that Tink talks.
Well, let me just say that I did not enjoy this film really at all, but that’s kind of because I’m not under the age of twelve and female. TinkerBell is first and foremost a children’s film that is aimed at girls and not something that will ever have the same feeling most of the Disney animated classics do. It doesn’t have much of a story or one that many adults will really care about whatsoever. Yes, it has a lovable character in the form of TinkerBell, but it’s not the one many of us grew up knowing and loving. An impetuous, playful, and almost mean-spirited imp from Peter Pan who made a gleefully fun tinkling noise and flew around in a quick fast and a hurry; TinkerBell has grown up. Odd too that she grew up to be more mature in a film that is supposed to have happened before her first appearance.
Did I mention that TinkerBell talks? I’m not fond of it.
There is the occasional joke and little chuckle that brought a smile to my face, but not much made me crack a grin. Actually, most of the other fairies are annoying as all hell and made my viewing experience all that much worse. Say what you want about Disney and making “kiddie” films because I’d say ninety percent or more of their animated films are aimed at all ages and something both children and adults alike can enjoy. TinkerBell is deliberately aimed at a younger crowd and it isn’t even a cartoon that young boys will like because it is way too girlie. The only thing most adults will get from it is the artwork because the visuals are stunning, but that’s not nearly enough to make you want to sit through it in its entirety.
Why? Why must TinkerBell talk?
The film is shown in 1.781 Anamorphic Widescreen format and there is just not a single thing to complain about here. The animation is flawless and the picture is beautiful in color and detail like no other.
The film is heard in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and it is also good, but not as extravagant as the video. The dialogue can be heard clearly at all times, but the surround sound is almost wasted to an extent because it just barely ever gets much use.
Tinker Trainer – Place the DVD in your DVD-ROM drive and play a computer game that kids will surely love to play. Coming from an avid gamer, parents need to be warned that most children will not be able to play this complicated game easily.
Magical Guide To Pixie Hollow – A virtual tour around the DVD and the small neighborhood of Pixie Hollow. This is a thing the kids will get a kick out of.
Ever Wonder – Animated fairies jump into the real world of live humans and fly around helping them fix things and keep everything neat and in order. This feature runs just under four minutes.
Creating Pixie Hollow – This is a close to ten minute “making of” featurette that goes behind the animation, music, and more. It also talks a small amount about how TinkerBell finally ended up in a starring role. Ok, it was very strange, but I honestly thought that there was a huge mistake made by Disney because I couldn’t find this special feature anywhere until getting online and finding out it was hidden. It’s an Easter Egg, but the DVD cover art clearly states it is on there.
Music Video – “Fly To Your Heart” performed by Selena Gomez
Deleted Scenes – Yet another hidden special feature that doesn’t provide much in way of anything interesting. There are six deleted scenes in total.
Trailers – Bolt, TinkerBell, The Lost Treasure, Wall*E, Wizards Of Waverly Place, The Little Mermaid II: Return To The Sea Special Edition, and The Secret Of The Magic Gourd
Oh my, my, my. You know, I’m not exactly sure how much I was expecting from this film because I already knew my level of pissed-offness would be high due to the fact that TinkerBell talks. What came to be was even less then I expected because my mind was trained on the fact that Disney usually tries to appease all ranges of its audience and not leave anyone out. That is not what happens here as only one demographic (young females) will enjoy this film at all and mostly everyone who doesn’t have a small girl in their lives will not want this for their collection. I own every Disney DVD and VHS ever made, and if this film would have not come my way to review then it wouldn’t have found its way into my collection by way of being purchased. The film is rather dull and the special features are very short and nothing interesting at all. TinkerBell will draw huge numbers in sales because…well, because it’s Disney, but I hope there aren’t many more in line for sequels and such of this same variety.
Tink talks. It sucks.
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Walt Disney Video presents TinkerBell. Directed by: Bradley Raymond. Starring (voices): Mae Whitman, Kristen Chenowith, Raven-Symone, Lucy Liu, America Ferrera, and more. Written by: J.M. Barrie & Jeffrey M. Howard. Running time: 70 minutes. Rating: G. Released on DVD: October 28, 2008. Available at Amazon.com
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