Film 58 (Goal: 300) of 2024

Most of these NETFLIX releases outside of the Oscars schedule tend to fall into the disappointing category. But every so often you get a really enjoyable surprise. Don't let the 3 star rating turn you off, this is an excellent family friendly fantasy film.

However this feels like it should have been a bigger success, like a fantasy Pirates of the Caribbean. This should have gone to a major studio with a cinematic release. With that and a tighter script in the middle, this could have been a major hit. CGI is also a bit rough in places. More practicality in places would have benefit the storytelling. Practical effects and being forced to be creative in another way is not a bad thing.

Marlow Barkley is excellent. Sometimes these kids actors can come across as forced, but she does a great job anchoring the film. Jason Momoa is having a blast in a performance that would be the early framework for his Fast X character. While his fantastical character works within the framework, at times he feels uncertain what to do within the scenery. Can we please cast Chris O'Dowd in more things? The man is excellent!

Slumberland is a great little option to watch either as an individual or a family. I just though wonder what more could have come, if this didn't fall into the Netflix "quantity over quality" methodology.