Regular readers of our reviews will know that Julia Donaldson's works are revered in the Coates household. We reviewed the latest stage version of The Gruffalo and also the gift edition of Stick Man which was published in time for Christmas and illustrated by the incomparable Axel Schleffer. In fact Stick Man was aired on the BBC on Christmas day. Now you can own the DVD.
This magical animated special is voiced by a beloved cast of British acting talent including; Martin Freeman as Stick Man; Hugh Bonneville as Santa; Jennifer Saunders as the narrator; with additional voice talent from Russell Tovey; Rob Brydon and Oscar© nominee Sally Hawkins.
So Harriet knew the story of Stick Man and kept reassuring me that "it's okay". For those unfamiliar with the story, "Stick Man lives in the family tree with his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three." One day Stick Man goes out for a jog and finds "captured".
His epic journey to get back to his beloved family tree takes him through the seasons encountering many obstacles on the way including an overzealous dog; being thrown into a river; escaping from a swan’s nest and even ending up on top of a fire. Will the Stick Man ever get back to his family tree?
Harriet commented, "It's fabulous. Impressive ending." And I can't really top that.
There are also some great not-to-be-missed extras on the DVD. Harriet loved the Art Gallery and watch Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Schleffer performing Zog live at the Radio Times Festival. I found the Behind the Scenes documentary about the making of the film fascinating.
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
Stick Man [DVD] [2016]