Land of sometimes: star-studded cast can't rescue dull animation

A voice cast boasting Ewan McGregor, Helena Bonham Carter, and Mel Brooks couldn't save Land of Sometimes from being a thoroughly underwhelming cinematic experience. The film, now playing in UK cinemas from March 20, promises a whimsical journey into a magical world, but delivers a predictable plot and uneven performances – particularly from its child leads.

A disappointing dive into fantasy

The premise involves twins, Elise and Alfie, who wish themselves into the titular Land of Sometimes. However, the twins, voiced by newcomers, are largely forgettable. Elise is rendered irritating, and Alfie, frankly, offers nothing discernible. This lack of engaging central characters significantly diminishes the film's appeal.

The involvement of Tim Rice as lyricist offers a glimmer of hope, but even his contributions fall flat. The songs, filled with saccharine platitudes like “You don’t need wishes, you never did, you just needed each other,” feel like recycled material from earlier, more promising projects.

The film’s aesthetic is reminiscent of a low-resolution screensaver, a common pitfall in contemporary children’s animation. While McGregor delivers a competent performance as the Wish Collector, even his talents can’t elevate the thin material. The film aims for a blend of Roald Dahl-esque whimsy with forced inspirational messaging, but it lacks genuine heart.

The casting of David Walliams as the Guardian is particularly curious, with the on-screen credit attributing the role to the lesser-known Stefan Ashton Frank. The reason for this discrepancy remains unclear, adding to the film’s overall sense of disjointedness.

Ultimately, Land of Sometimes feels like a derivative product, a pale imitation of more imaginative children’s stories. It’s a film that will likely leave both parents and discerning children feeling underwhelmed.