This is a movie that after re-watching as an adult I really didn't care for. I remember liking it as a kid but that only goes so far in how much I'll like it for when I'm older. I have read the story before and the movie really isn't all that bad. The biggest things I have a problem with now after re-watching it is the songs and the lead character. The songs just in my opinion were really bad. I really don't care for Thumbellina cause she gets pushed around a lot and constantly says things are impossible. Not a very good protagonist to my idea. Of course I always have been one to like independent women as lead characters. My opinion, not good nor bad. Little kids for the most part should like it though. :)
93 Reviews
Thumbellina is the story of a girl as big as a thumb and is based off of a Christian Anderson story.
anna_netzloff3 March 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Enjoyable
kgm321 June 2004
Thumbalina. This is a good family movie. The story is fun and sweet, the characters are memorable and lovable and the music is good ("Let me be your wings" and "Once there was the sun" are particularly memorable). Thumbalina is a good family movie, the kids will love it and the parent's will enjoy it as well. This is definitely a movie to see if you want to be reminded of 3 things: "true love conquers all", "follow your heart", and "nothing is impossible". Those are not the only life lessons it discreetly teaches, many others are buried deeply in it, like all great fairy tales. Don't see it if you want brilliant animation or movie perfection, see it if you want a "feel good" fairytale that. I would give this movie 7 stars out of 10.
A lot better than what people say!
TheLittleSongbird18 February 2009
I grew up watching Pebble and the Penguin and Anastasia. I was introduced to this about a month ago, I watched it, and I was actually impressed. It is not as good as the above titles, but I can name a lot worse animated films, believe me, the Secret of NIMH sequel anyone?! The film is flawed, but on the whole it is a fun sweet film for kids. The animation is very good, but is a little flat in some places. But the animation sequence in "Let me be your wings" is breathtaking. Speaking of the songs, they aren't bad at all. They are very pleasant, and beautifully orchestrated with lovely tunes even if some of the lyrics were hard to understand. The incidental music was lovely too. The best aspect was the story. It stayed close to the original fairytale, while adding a little bit on. All of the characters are very much the same, and none of the essence is lost, save for some slow scenes in the middle half. The characterisations are fine. Jodi Benson is a very talented singing actress, and she had the best song of the movie, "Let me be your Wings", which was stunning audibly and artistically, and she does do a good job as Thumbelina. People find Thumbelina annoying and patronising, I find her cute and pretty and she means well. Cornelius was a little bland, but I warmed to him. The toads were funny, especially during that really fast Spanish song. My favourite character is Jaquimo, what a great accent, and Thumbelina's mother is a warm and loving character and provides the film's most touching moment in the reprise of "Soon"! Other voice actors are Gilbert Gottfried, John Hurt and Carol Channing. All in all, a pleasant animation, that is misunderstood. 7/10. Bethany Cox
I love this movie!!
Elizabeth_d1328 October 2004
Ever since I first saw this movie I have loved it. It grabbed hold of my imagination. It also follows very close to the original story which is more than I can say for several other books made to movies. It has also captivated the imagination of my children. They will sit through this movie and then talk about it all day. They even pretend to be the characters. This movie is one of the greatest children's movies ever made. It has comedy, beautiful music,a love story and it also teaches a valuable lesson....To always follow your heart and you will have your dreams realized. I recommend this movie to anyone who is in the mood for a feel good movie that leaves you with the feeling that you can do anything if you want it strong enough. I love the songs, I love the story, I love it all.
Not bad...
scorpianram30 May 2003
You know what? I liked this movie. Its kinda of slow in parts, and the animation is dated too, but the songs really stick. You know how I know? My kids, 7 and 12 years old, will watch this movie over and over when we break it out of our DVD rack. They sing the cheery Manilow penned songs and they watch the story unfold each time like its the first time. (The being slow part can be bridged with a cookie or two)...
I like the voice of Thumbalina. She did the voice to the Little Mermaid, so you can consider this a sequal..sorta...song to listen for? A cute little balad called "Soon"...one of those 'bring a tear to your eye' songs...
I give this a 7+...instantly forgetable for adults...kids will love it though!!!
I like the voice of Thumbalina. She did the voice to the Little Mermaid, so you can consider this a sequal..sorta...song to listen for? A cute little balad called "Soon"...one of those 'bring a tear to your eye' songs...
I give this a 7+...instantly forgetable for adults...kids will love it though!!!
Guilty Pleasure
bonniejoy-978-6876322 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
If I'm going to be technically honest, it's not a great movie. If I'm going to be nostalgically honest, I like it and don't stop watching it.
The story's about a girl that is named Thumbelina (who is no bigger than your thumb), her love for the fairy prince Cornelius, and the three villains that want to marry her. Almost the same as the original story, just adding the prince being a major character, songs, side plots with the villains, setting it in Paris, and animal side characters, one of which gets a main role (Jacquimo the swallow).
While I like this movie a lot, there are a lot of problems with the movie. One is that it came out around the time Disney was making such beloved classics such as Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Lion King which came out the same year as this movie. If it waited a few more years later, it might have had a better chance. In fact the story resembles The Little Mermaid in many ways (same author, voice actress Jodi Benson, and unique hair). And the music is a hit and miss. Half of the songs are irritating, one of which won a Razzie (Marry the Mole) and another sung by Gilbert Gotfried. But the biggest issue has got to be that Thumbelina had every chance to get home since Jacquimo could fly, but he doesn't even try to take her home, tell any of the jitterbugs to grab her by the arms and fly her to the top of a flower, or even fly above and tell her what direction to go while he searches for her prince. He just leaves her to look on her own. In the original story it made sense, because there are no friends to help her, and she doesn't meet the swallow until the end. Also, she couldn't figure out where she was, so she legitimately gave up. This Thumbelina has friends to get her home but nobody helps her, nor does she think to ask them to fly her home, except with one of the villains, but as that's not one of her allies that doesn't quite count.
However, for all its flaws, I still love it. The animation is beautiful, and it's easy to see the hard work on the character designs, fairy wings, fairy magic, and backgrounds. It almost is like Disney animation and yet not quite; it's its own thing. The way it's animated makes you feel like you're the same height as the main characters. In my opinion, some of the best animation can be seen in the song "Let Me Be Your Wings." Speaking of which, I consider that to be the best song in the entire movie. Yes it's a knock off of "A Whole New World" and the romance may be rushed, but the lyrics are well done, the music is beautiful, and of course the duet is wonderful. Jodi Benson singing is a saving grace for even the bad songs. Also, I think the voices are spot on, including Carol Channing as Field Mouse. Something about her voice actually does sound a bit like a dry, cynical, greedy mouse. And as bad as "Marry the Mole" was, I give her credit for trying to make the song work, and that it didn't stop the plot. It's not a good song, I don't like it, but I don't think it's the worst either. And for anybody who loves the original story better, this movie encouraged me to read the story. It's not my favorite Anderson story, but it's a lovely little adventure.
What amazes me about this movie is that it got harsher criticism than A Troll in Central Park when it first came out. While A Troll in Central Park also has amazing animation, that movie was pandering and nothing but filler. This movie has an actual plot; an not very well done plot, but at least tried to be something decent. I don't care if it's a "Disney knock-off"; I think it's not terrible. This was probably a hard story for Don Bluth to adapt to a feature length film, but I'm not sure if even Disney would tackle it. I don't stop enjoying the movie, but at the same time I understand the flaws.
The story's about a girl that is named Thumbelina (who is no bigger than your thumb), her love for the fairy prince Cornelius, and the three villains that want to marry her. Almost the same as the original story, just adding the prince being a major character, songs, side plots with the villains, setting it in Paris, and animal side characters, one of which gets a main role (Jacquimo the swallow).
While I like this movie a lot, there are a lot of problems with the movie. One is that it came out around the time Disney was making such beloved classics such as Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Lion King which came out the same year as this movie. If it waited a few more years later, it might have had a better chance. In fact the story resembles The Little Mermaid in many ways (same author, voice actress Jodi Benson, and unique hair). And the music is a hit and miss. Half of the songs are irritating, one of which won a Razzie (Marry the Mole) and another sung by Gilbert Gotfried. But the biggest issue has got to be that Thumbelina had every chance to get home since Jacquimo could fly, but he doesn't even try to take her home, tell any of the jitterbugs to grab her by the arms and fly her to the top of a flower, or even fly above and tell her what direction to go while he searches for her prince. He just leaves her to look on her own. In the original story it made sense, because there are no friends to help her, and she doesn't meet the swallow until the end. Also, she couldn't figure out where she was, so she legitimately gave up. This Thumbelina has friends to get her home but nobody helps her, nor does she think to ask them to fly her home, except with one of the villains, but as that's not one of her allies that doesn't quite count.
However, for all its flaws, I still love it. The animation is beautiful, and it's easy to see the hard work on the character designs, fairy wings, fairy magic, and backgrounds. It almost is like Disney animation and yet not quite; it's its own thing. The way it's animated makes you feel like you're the same height as the main characters. In my opinion, some of the best animation can be seen in the song "Let Me Be Your Wings." Speaking of which, I consider that to be the best song in the entire movie. Yes it's a knock off of "A Whole New World" and the romance may be rushed, but the lyrics are well done, the music is beautiful, and of course the duet is wonderful. Jodi Benson singing is a saving grace for even the bad songs. Also, I think the voices are spot on, including Carol Channing as Field Mouse. Something about her voice actually does sound a bit like a dry, cynical, greedy mouse. And as bad as "Marry the Mole" was, I give her credit for trying to make the song work, and that it didn't stop the plot. It's not a good song, I don't like it, but I don't think it's the worst either. And for anybody who loves the original story better, this movie encouraged me to read the story. It's not my favorite Anderson story, but it's a lovely little adventure.
What amazes me about this movie is that it got harsher criticism than A Troll in Central Park when it first came out. While A Troll in Central Park also has amazing animation, that movie was pandering and nothing but filler. This movie has an actual plot; an not very well done plot, but at least tried to be something decent. I don't care if it's a "Disney knock-off"; I think it's not terrible. This was probably a hard story for Don Bluth to adapt to a feature length film, but I'm not sure if even Disney would tackle it. I don't stop enjoying the movie, but at the same time I understand the flaws.
A fine adaptation of the Andersen Faery Tale.
Will_Scarlet10 March 2004
One fine thing about watching a movie based on a story you know
(when the movie is faithful to the story) is being able to know when
something is going to happen before it does, but not because
you've seen the movie. When it is based on something as short
and simple as a faery tale, it is fun to see how the movie deals
with it differently than the original source. This movie has all the
charm and verve of an old-fashioned Broadway show, much of its
charm coming from Manilow's songs. He could have been much
more appreciated had he been born a few decades earlier and
worked on Broadway. His songs are pure old-fashioned Broadway, which means they don't usually have too much new
meaning to them, they are just fun and pretty and very VERY catchy. It is only when he tries to make a MODERN score and write songs
to be performed like pop-song that he becomes pathetic. Sadly,
this leaves him only open to fine children's movies like these. One
rare happening in adapting stories to movies is that the writers are
able to keep the storyline and add new depth too it to keep the
spirit of the Faery Tale alive, but also for older watchers. For one
thing, give the Prince an earlier meeting with the girl to make it
more complex, (and not have him admit he's a Prince at first
makes it seem honest) and give the Prince a more rebellious
personality than making him the upper class figure regularly seen
in story books. The animation and much of the vocal scores help
make the scenes touching and funny when they should be. But
again, the movie's main strong point is its score, and the
spectacular cast of stars (Jodi Benson, Gilbert Gottfreid, Barbara
Cook, Charo, and the spectacular Carol Channing [Hello Dolly
herself!]) and some sadly lesser known celebrities. The only
complaints to be made are the scripts several weak moments
toward the end, when the sadness on the hero and heroine's parts
seem a bit overdone, as do some of the 'heroic' scenes involving
the prince. His heroism gives no feeling that he has accomplished
a lot to get his heart's desire. But still, this movie manages to bring
out the spirit you can rarely see in the original story, and if you see
it just to enjoy it, which is what you are meant, you may just be
impressed by what Don Bluth could do before he started
completely losing his touch.
(when the movie is faithful to the story) is being able to know when
something is going to happen before it does, but not because
you've seen the movie. When it is based on something as short
and simple as a faery tale, it is fun to see how the movie deals
with it differently than the original source. This movie has all the
charm and verve of an old-fashioned Broadway show, much of its
charm coming from Manilow's songs. He could have been much
more appreciated had he been born a few decades earlier and
worked on Broadway. His songs are pure old-fashioned Broadway, which means they don't usually have too much new
meaning to them, they are just fun and pretty and very VERY catchy. It is only when he tries to make a MODERN score and write songs
to be performed like pop-song that he becomes pathetic. Sadly,
this leaves him only open to fine children's movies like these. One
rare happening in adapting stories to movies is that the writers are
able to keep the storyline and add new depth too it to keep the
spirit of the Faery Tale alive, but also for older watchers. For one
thing, give the Prince an earlier meeting with the girl to make it
more complex, (and not have him admit he's a Prince at first
makes it seem honest) and give the Prince a more rebellious
personality than making him the upper class figure regularly seen
in story books. The animation and much of the vocal scores help
make the scenes touching and funny when they should be. But
again, the movie's main strong point is its score, and the
spectacular cast of stars (Jodi Benson, Gilbert Gottfreid, Barbara
Cook, Charo, and the spectacular Carol Channing [Hello Dolly
herself!]) and some sadly lesser known celebrities. The only
complaints to be made are the scripts several weak moments
toward the end, when the sadness on the hero and heroine's parts
seem a bit overdone, as do some of the 'heroic' scenes involving
the prince. His heroism gives no feeling that he has accomplished
a lot to get his heart's desire. But still, this movie manages to bring
out the spirit you can rarely see in the original story, and if you see
it just to enjoy it, which is what you are meant, you may just be
impressed by what Don Bluth could do before he started
completely losing his touch.
Two THUMBs down for THUMBelina
akmom30 April 2011
Good Grief- where to begin. Many of the critical reviews here have touched on most of what I disliked so immensely about the movie. Stupid dialogue, annoying characters (even Thumbelina herself), very odd pacing to the movie (holes), and Thumbelina couldn't keep her dress down. Weird scenes- she just meets the Prince Fairy and starts singing and they put their hands all over each other. She later is kidnapped but instead of being upset that she can't marry her prince she starts dancing and singing and thanking the mother toad- what??!!! Now, I love most of the princess movies and cartoons out there- but this one is very, very poorly made. It was torture to sit through it with my 6 year old daughter- it will be "disappearing" from our shelf this week.
I don't care that I'm all grown up! I love this movie!
Liza-1926 April 2003
So help me, this is the cutest thing I've ever seen! I just love this film. First time I saw it, I went with my 7 year old brother, and was determined to hate it - but, well, I just couldn't. It's soooo cute, and the songs are so good, and the story is so well told - it's just impossible not to like it.
The first thing that I really like about this film is that it (unlike, oh so many Disney films) is actually very loyal to the original fairy tale by H.C. Andersen. They've added a few things, and changed a few details, but all of the things they changed I had to agree with (hey, why not let Thumbelina and the Prince meet at the beginning? It makes more sense for them to already be in love. And what's wrong with making the Fieldmouse a girl? It's Carol Channing!) This is very true to the original story - so much more than Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID (which was supposedly based off another H.C. Andersen tale - but you'd never guess it).
The animation is good, it's not the best, but it's fine. The real star of this film is the music. A beautiful score by Barry Manilow helped out by fabulous voice work. The wonderful Jodi Benson heads the cast (she was also the voice of Ariel in THE LITTLE MERMAID) and she is delightful as Thumbelina. I've been lucky enough to meet Ms. Benson and I have to say, she is just the sweetest person you could ever hope to know. She's got a wonderful, child-like speaking voice, and a glorious singing voice - just the perfect choice for the lead. She's joined in the cast by Gilbert Gottfried, Barbara Cook, Carol Channing, and (another voice talent from THE LITTLE MERMAID) Kenneth Mars.
This film is just beautifully done. It's faithful to the original, it's lovely to see, and has a marvelous soundtrack. I don't care that I'm all grown up - this is a movie I can't help but love.
The first thing that I really like about this film is that it (unlike, oh so many Disney films) is actually very loyal to the original fairy tale by H.C. Andersen. They've added a few things, and changed a few details, but all of the things they changed I had to agree with (hey, why not let Thumbelina and the Prince meet at the beginning? It makes more sense for them to already be in love. And what's wrong with making the Fieldmouse a girl? It's Carol Channing!) This is very true to the original story - so much more than Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID (which was supposedly based off another H.C. Andersen tale - but you'd never guess it).
The animation is good, it's not the best, but it's fine. The real star of this film is the music. A beautiful score by Barry Manilow helped out by fabulous voice work. The wonderful Jodi Benson heads the cast (she was also the voice of Ariel in THE LITTLE MERMAID) and she is delightful as Thumbelina. I've been lucky enough to meet Ms. Benson and I have to say, she is just the sweetest person you could ever hope to know. She's got a wonderful, child-like speaking voice, and a glorious singing voice - just the perfect choice for the lead. She's joined in the cast by Gilbert Gottfried, Barbara Cook, Carol Channing, and (another voice talent from THE LITTLE MERMAID) Kenneth Mars.
This film is just beautifully done. It's faithful to the original, it's lovely to see, and has a marvelous soundtrack. I don't care that I'm all grown up - this is a movie I can't help but love.
Better than most Disney movies
IceaFrost31 March 2003
Don Bluth does not only make a great movie with "Thumbelina", it is better than most Disney movies by far. It has a great mix of voices, a great plot and some interesting and beautifully drawn characters.
If Disney would´ve made this movie, the characters would not look human, they´d look abrupt and ugly.
The greatness of Don Bluth animations, is that there are so many different songs, or nearly no songs at all. In Disney movies, the main character sings at least 3 songs of her/his own, and the little "love duet" together with her/his love and the villain sings 1 , the highest 2 songs, or there are no songs at all.
In Bluth´s movies, the main character may have at the highest 2 songs, a duet and at least 2 villainous songs, or nearly no songs at all.
That is why Don Bluth´s movies are better than Disney´s, there is a such big mix.
"Thumbelina" does not ONLY have this, it has sweet characters that you learn to love, villainous villains, and interesting drawn other characters.
If Disney would´ve made this movie, the characters would not look human, they´d look abrupt and ugly.
The greatness of Don Bluth animations, is that there are so many different songs, or nearly no songs at all. In Disney movies, the main character sings at least 3 songs of her/his own, and the little "love duet" together with her/his love and the villain sings 1 , the highest 2 songs, or there are no songs at all.
In Bluth´s movies, the main character may have at the highest 2 songs, a duet and at least 2 villainous songs, or nearly no songs at all.
That is why Don Bluth´s movies are better than Disney´s, there is a such big mix.
"Thumbelina" does not ONLY have this, it has sweet characters that you learn to love, villainous villains, and interesting drawn other characters.
Theez eez ze Story erf un Eempossible Lerrrrv
joliefille41127 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
If there was ever proof that the "it doesn't matter cause the kid's won't notice" philosophy has any reason to exist, Thumbelina just might be it. I distinctly remember liking this movie, if not exactly loving it, when it was first released. But oh, how time changes things.
Not everything about Thumbelina is entirely terrible. Jodi Benson still has a lovely voice and the "I want" song and love ballad, though moderately bland, remain largely unoffensive to the ear. Even Charo's performance had me cracking a smile. But beyond that...
Characterwise, everyone is a nutcase, with the exception of the Mother, who gets the least screen time of anyone. Thumbelina is frankly dumb as a post, lacking anything that resembles a mind of her own. The other villains and protagonists alike garner no prizes in the brain category, but they make up for it with either general maliciousness or extra-large doe eyes. Jacquiamo does have the distinction of being the animated world's Jar-Jar Binks with his overblown french faerieness.
Visually, the film isn't much of a stunner either. The leads, while not precisely ugly, have the absolute most ridiculous hairstyles I have seen outside of an indie space flick. The computer scenes, like the opening sequence and the frog boat are so jarringly CGI that the simply jerk you out of the experience of the movie to goggle at the disjunct.
Don Bluth is well loved for his distinct visual style that at one point appeared to rival the Disney Empire. Part of what I love about films like All Dogs Go To Heaven is that they are so entirely unlike Disney fare, unlike most anything else out there at all. Thumbelina represents a different Bluth, one who began to doubt that he could overtake the big bad corporation, and scrambled together a bad imitation. It just doesn't take to his style, plus no one can ever out-Disney Disney.
Not everything about Thumbelina is entirely terrible. Jodi Benson still has a lovely voice and the "I want" song and love ballad, though moderately bland, remain largely unoffensive to the ear. Even Charo's performance had me cracking a smile. But beyond that...
Characterwise, everyone is a nutcase, with the exception of the Mother, who gets the least screen time of anyone. Thumbelina is frankly dumb as a post, lacking anything that resembles a mind of her own. The other villains and protagonists alike garner no prizes in the brain category, but they make up for it with either general maliciousness or extra-large doe eyes. Jacquiamo does have the distinction of being the animated world's Jar-Jar Binks with his overblown french faerieness.
Visually, the film isn't much of a stunner either. The leads, while not precisely ugly, have the absolute most ridiculous hairstyles I have seen outside of an indie space flick. The computer scenes, like the opening sequence and the frog boat are so jarringly CGI that the simply jerk you out of the experience of the movie to goggle at the disjunct.
Don Bluth is well loved for his distinct visual style that at one point appeared to rival the Disney Empire. Part of what I love about films like All Dogs Go To Heaven is that they are so entirely unlike Disney fare, unlike most anything else out there at all. Thumbelina represents a different Bluth, one who began to doubt that he could overtake the big bad corporation, and scrambled together a bad imitation. It just doesn't take to his style, plus no one can ever out-Disney Disney.
This is adorable! Very underrated!
ADORA13 April 1999
This is a triumph for Don Bluth! I really enjoyed it. The songs are sweet, & memorable. Jodie Benson (Ariel, The Little Mermaid) plays the title role, & she has such a great voice. I would recommend this movie to any family who is stuck in the Disney collection only rut. Give Thumbelina a chance!
An OK Adaptation if you expect some flaws
gavin-thelordofthefu-48-46029723 June 2011
As of 2011, Don Bluth continues to live as one of the best animation directors of all time. The Secret of NIMH, An American Tail, The Land Before Time, and All Dogs Go To Heaven were his most successful films yet and one of the most decent movies he has done was "Thumbelina" based on the story by Hans Christian Anderson.
It revolves around Thumbelina, a small person, who meets a fairy prince named Cornelius and have now fall in love. Later, she stumbles upon an adventure as lots of furry creatures try to marry Thumbelina.
Now, I haven't read the story or The Little Mermaid at all, but for a animated adaptation, this one is just a decent movie.
I'll go for the bad parts: The story line was butchered and underdeveloped it attempts to be a Disney-clone and the characters were also underdeveloped. The dialogue was so lame it makes the characters lose their personalities.
The good parts are: The animation and art design were very colorful and creative, the songs may not be the best I've heard (especially with Let Me Be Your Wings and I'll admit it was a "Whole New World" ripoff) but they were OK for the most part, the characters were very decent, and the voice acting wasn't that bad with the best coming from Jodi Benson.
Thumbelina isn't as good as Bluth's successful works and I do understand the criticism it received, but it's not as terrible as I thought it would be. Yes, the story and characters could've been better, but at least the music score makes the movie kind of watchable and only for little kids. So, I'll give this a decent rating.
6/10
It revolves around Thumbelina, a small person, who meets a fairy prince named Cornelius and have now fall in love. Later, she stumbles upon an adventure as lots of furry creatures try to marry Thumbelina.
Now, I haven't read the story or The Little Mermaid at all, but for a animated adaptation, this one is just a decent movie.
I'll go for the bad parts: The story line was butchered and underdeveloped it attempts to be a Disney-clone and the characters were also underdeveloped. The dialogue was so lame it makes the characters lose their personalities.
The good parts are: The animation and art design were very colorful and creative, the songs may not be the best I've heard (especially with Let Me Be Your Wings and I'll admit it was a "Whole New World" ripoff) but they were OK for the most part, the characters were very decent, and the voice acting wasn't that bad with the best coming from Jodi Benson.
Thumbelina isn't as good as Bluth's successful works and I do understand the criticism it received, but it's not as terrible as I thought it would be. Yes, the story and characters could've been better, but at least the music score makes the movie kind of watchable and only for little kids. So, I'll give this a decent rating.
6/10
What can I say about this movie...?
thousandisland10 March 2002
ONE thing you can say about this awful, awful movie is that the reviews of it are pure entertainment. This is like one of those vacations where the brochure is more fun than the trip. Maybe that's what Bluth intended because he knew that every aspect of Thumbelina is totally horrid and only worthwhile as material for creative IMDB users who want to shoot it down. The only good part of this movie is when John Hurt shows up as this mole who's so desperate for a spouse that he's actually considering Thumbelina. Always noble, perhaps the greatest humanitarian of our time.. Who but John Hurt would try to assist this wretched film that is a 76-minute result of whatever extraterrestrial brain-sucking creature got a grip on Don Bluth's head in 1990 and hasn't since let go or stopped feeding? (Though it did vomit in '97 and return to him enough sentience to produce Anastasia.)
This is the WORST. (Except for possibly A Troll in Central Park, which I haven't seen.) Worse than Rock A Doodle and much worse than The Pebble and the Penguin, full of songs I could criticize if only I could remember anything about them, full of blah like the "follow your heart" spiel which is trite here, well after being trite in The Land Before Time, and before being trite in Nimh 2 and Cinderella 2. The plot is incomprehensible all around, following Thum as she dances around with a bunch of racially insensitive frogs and then gets involved (somehow) with a lot of insects.. I don't even remember how. Trying to call up the reasons and explanations but they just aren't coming because nothing makes sense in this movie. (Characters appear and then just leave at random.) Also it's BORING. I SO wanted to turn it off, and had to force myself to get through the whole thing without hitting the FF button.. (I knew if I touched it even once, it'd be all over.) I can't conceive of any reason why ANYone over 2 years old would like this movie. The only cute thing in it is the fuzzy bumblebee that Cornelius rides-- nothing else is even remotely interesting or worthwhile. It is NOT good for the whole family. I highly do not recommend renting this for a family night or a solo night or any night. Oh and don't be fooled by the trailer, which is highly deceptive as it includes the only really coherent sequence in the whole thing, the part where Thum and Cornelius first meet.
For more intelligent fare, rent any of the Teletubbie adventures and be awestruck by their sophistication.
This is the WORST. (Except for possibly A Troll in Central Park, which I haven't seen.) Worse than Rock A Doodle and much worse than The Pebble and the Penguin, full of songs I could criticize if only I could remember anything about them, full of blah like the "follow your heart" spiel which is trite here, well after being trite in The Land Before Time, and before being trite in Nimh 2 and Cinderella 2. The plot is incomprehensible all around, following Thum as she dances around with a bunch of racially insensitive frogs and then gets involved (somehow) with a lot of insects.. I don't even remember how. Trying to call up the reasons and explanations but they just aren't coming because nothing makes sense in this movie. (Characters appear and then just leave at random.) Also it's BORING. I SO wanted to turn it off, and had to force myself to get through the whole thing without hitting the FF button.. (I knew if I touched it even once, it'd be all over.) I can't conceive of any reason why ANYone over 2 years old would like this movie. The only cute thing in it is the fuzzy bumblebee that Cornelius rides-- nothing else is even remotely interesting or worthwhile. It is NOT good for the whole family. I highly do not recommend renting this for a family night or a solo night or any night. Oh and don't be fooled by the trailer, which is highly deceptive as it includes the only really coherent sequence in the whole thing, the part where Thum and Cornelius first meet.
For more intelligent fare, rent any of the Teletubbie adventures and be awestruck by their sophistication.
Wonderful Children's Fairytale
zerogods13 December 2004
Keep in mind the comments you read about this movie ARE opinions. Don't base the movie solely off of those opinions. Rent it, and watch it YOURSELF instead of listening to any crock or praise that may be posted about it here.
PERSONALLY....
I enjoy the movie very much. I watched it when I was a tiny little gremlin, and I still watch it now on occasion. I'm 15 and one of my silly little fetishes are Disney movies. They're WAY better than the new ones at any rate. (...and cleaner too, heh.) Thumbelina is a wonderful Fairytale with pretty songs and the beautiful voice of Jodi Benson. Fairies, jitterbugs, mice, beetles, fish, frogs, a mole, and a swallow... all the tiny things. (With some big animals at the beginning.) I think the main reason why i like the movie is the images, the color (especially at the end) is beautiful. The story is a wonderful children's fairytale. I don't know if kid's nowadays would enjoy it or not, because they have all the Pixar stuff, but my five year old sister does enjoy seeing it once in a while. I loved it when I was little (and still do).
PERSONALLY....
I enjoy the movie very much. I watched it when I was a tiny little gremlin, and I still watch it now on occasion. I'm 15 and one of my silly little fetishes are Disney movies. They're WAY better than the new ones at any rate. (...and cleaner too, heh.) Thumbelina is a wonderful Fairytale with pretty songs and the beautiful voice of Jodi Benson. Fairies, jitterbugs, mice, beetles, fish, frogs, a mole, and a swallow... all the tiny things. (With some big animals at the beginning.) I think the main reason why i like the movie is the images, the color (especially at the end) is beautiful. The story is a wonderful children's fairytale. I don't know if kid's nowadays would enjoy it or not, because they have all the Pixar stuff, but my five year old sister does enjoy seeing it once in a while. I loved it when I was little (and still do).
Thumbelina
DogePelis201518 June 2021
Highly recommendable for children, but not so much for grown-ups
Atreyu_II7 February 2008
"Thumbelina" is notorious for being probably the only animated movie that won or was nominated for a Razzie. While certainly not a great movie, I strongly disagree about the Razzie towards it. If we're talking about animated films that should definitely be priced with Razzies, then let's take a look at movies like "Pocahontas 2", "Home on the Range", "101 Dalmatians II", "Madagascar" "Shrek" trilogy and "Monsters & Inc", for example.
Enough talking about other movies. Now let's talk about what really matters on this review: this one in particular.
"Thumbelina" is cute and a little too childish at the same time. For that reason, I recommend it more for kids than adults. I believe that more likely kids will love it. However, I'm not so sure about adults. I am a grown up guy now and I admit that I used to like this better when I was younger.
The main character of the movie, Thumbelina, is a cute and pretty girl. The idea of Thumbelina being as small as a thumb is cute but surreal and too childish at the same time, as well as the idea of her "mother" as a normal human being, which means absolutely gigantic for Thumbelina.
The dog with a mustache is ugly outside, but his beauty is on the inside. He's one of the best characters from this movie. Other great characters are Thumbelina, the Prince Cornelius and the french bird Jacquimo.
But if there's one thing that bugs me about this movie is its unbelievable frogs, as well as the fact that this movie features too much bugs, not to mention that Mr. Mole and Mrs. Fieldmouse are boring characters. Also, the songs by the frogs, the bugs and Mrs. Fieldmouse are quite weak. On the other hand, Jacquimo sings very nice and joyful songs with a french charm and accent.
The artwork is very good, almost at the same level as Disney's standards. But, like I said, too much frogs and bugs kinda ruined this movie for me.
But the worst thing about this movie is the whole thing of a frog and a beetle always chasing Thumbelina. What kind of nonsense is this supposed to be??
Enough talking about other movies. Now let's talk about what really matters on this review: this one in particular.
"Thumbelina" is cute and a little too childish at the same time. For that reason, I recommend it more for kids than adults. I believe that more likely kids will love it. However, I'm not so sure about adults. I am a grown up guy now and I admit that I used to like this better when I was younger.
The main character of the movie, Thumbelina, is a cute and pretty girl. The idea of Thumbelina being as small as a thumb is cute but surreal and too childish at the same time, as well as the idea of her "mother" as a normal human being, which means absolutely gigantic for Thumbelina.
The dog with a mustache is ugly outside, but his beauty is on the inside. He's one of the best characters from this movie. Other great characters are Thumbelina, the Prince Cornelius and the french bird Jacquimo.
But if there's one thing that bugs me about this movie is its unbelievable frogs, as well as the fact that this movie features too much bugs, not to mention that Mr. Mole and Mrs. Fieldmouse are boring characters. Also, the songs by the frogs, the bugs and Mrs. Fieldmouse are quite weak. On the other hand, Jacquimo sings very nice and joyful songs with a french charm and accent.
The artwork is very good, almost at the same level as Disney's standards. But, like I said, too much frogs and bugs kinda ruined this movie for me.
But the worst thing about this movie is the whole thing of a frog and a beetle always chasing Thumbelina. What kind of nonsense is this supposed to be??
This film is very cute
blrnani23 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
But, there are some quite serious flaws, starting with the main character. She comes into the world with an adolescent body but the mind of a child, and not a very bright one at that. I suppose this makes sense in as much as she hasn't had time for learning, meeting other people or gaining experience, but it would raise serious ethical issues in a non-cartoon world, given that the plot is basically about who she's going to marry - the prince or the growing number of other enthusiastic suitors.
It also explains her reaction to being kidnapped, as with Pinnochio-like innocence her initial annoyance is transformed by the promises of the kidnappers to guide her to fame and fortune.
Which brings us to another problem, which is some messages that may escape primary school children but probably not high-school ones. The kidnappers are stereotypical Mexicans, although purportedly Spanish. And when the fieldmouse is encouraging her to marry the mole she says "He may be blind but at least his eyes are blue". And then there's this entire plot based around a young woman's future being entirely geared to marrying her prince and 'living happily ever after' and, in this case, one can't see this heroine actually being able to fend for herself. There is one scene where she shows decisiveness, but immediately marches off into a snowstorm and has to be rescued. It also feeds into the dangerous meme that it you want something strongly enough it will come true, which glosses over the entire notion of training and development and other people also having freedom of choice.
But as I said, it is very cute and will be lapped up by children up to a certain age and those older people who are captivated by 'cute' (I fear I am probably one), but anybody over 10 should be warned that to really appreciate it they'll have to just accept its flaws and try to ignore them.
Horrible movie with disturbing message
noleander4 May 2005
Warning: Spoilers
The animation is mundane, the songs are forgettable. What else could be wrong? A lot.
The scariest thing about this movie is the way Thumbelina reacts when she is kidnapped. Twice. Each time, she seems to enjoy being captive, and sings and dances with her captors. Weird. Disturbing. What kind of message does this send to children in the audience?
The first time, the toad mother kidnaps Th. and takes her home to be forcibly married to the toad mother's ugly son. Kidnapping. Rape. Arranged marriage. What does Th do under the circumstances? Fight? Cry for help? Struggle? Argue? Nope. She starts singing and dancing with a smile on her face.
Second time: Evil Mr. Beetle kidnaps Th (what is with this plot: Cant a female protagonist get along by herself?) and takes her to a dance. Again, instead of fighting for her freedom, Th. breaks into a cheerful song-and-dance routine. Oh, and her dress falls off so she has to dance in her underclothes.
These are disturbing messages for young kids.
Avoid this movie. It has nothing going for it.
The scariest thing about this movie is the way Thumbelina reacts when she is kidnapped. Twice. Each time, she seems to enjoy being captive, and sings and dances with her captors. Weird. Disturbing. What kind of message does this send to children in the audience?
The first time, the toad mother kidnaps Th. and takes her home to be forcibly married to the toad mother's ugly son. Kidnapping. Rape. Arranged marriage. What does Th do under the circumstances? Fight? Cry for help? Struggle? Argue? Nope. She starts singing and dancing with a smile on her face.
Second time: Evil Mr. Beetle kidnaps Th (what is with this plot: Cant a female protagonist get along by herself?) and takes her to a dance. Again, instead of fighting for her freedom, Th. breaks into a cheerful song-and-dance routine. Oh, and her dress falls off so she has to dance in her underclothes.
These are disturbing messages for young kids.
Avoid this movie. It has nothing going for it.
Brilliant!!!!!
xXHeatherXx5 June 2005
I totally disagree which Pynchov. How dare he say the film was terrible. The way he describes it makes it sound like a horror movie. This film was absolutely brilliant. It was fun, enjoyable, enchanting and had some memorable characters. I have had the video for years and I would still watch it. The songs in the movie were inspiring and the scenes were picture-perfect. It was nothing like that totally rubbish 2003 Thumbelina and Tom Thumb film. People must see the 1994 version!!!!! I think the frog characters were excellent and some of the songs they came out with were really funny. The beetle ball was a great scene and looked really unusual. The scenes were beautiful. Full of luscious green fields and beautiful flowers, it was so inspiring! One of the best characters was Jacquimo! I loved his accent!! Thumbelina and Cornelius were the perfect fairy tale couple in a perfect fairy-tale film.
Cute and Decent
bonbonetti28 July 2014
I watched it for the first time today, so I don't have the nostalgia a lot of reviewers do. In fact, the only Thumbelina movie I ever saw as a kid was a knockoff one with parts done in live-action, probably from about the same time.
A few things about it were really annoying for me. There are a few plot holes, (Why can't Jacquimo just fly Thumbelina back home? How does winter come the day after Autumn begins?) some characters were really annoying, (the little bugs, the toads, the beetle, Jacquimo, etc.) and how hard the moral was nailed into my head from beginning to end. Take a drink every time you hear "Nothing is impossible!" or "Follow your heart!", you'll be wasted in no time.
Also, don't listen to Marry the Mole. It's not sung well, the background music isn't too good, and the lyrics are just plain bad.
But it's an okay, cute movie for the kids. It's no Disney Princess movie, but it's decent.
A few things about it were really annoying for me. There are a few plot holes, (Why can't Jacquimo just fly Thumbelina back home? How does winter come the day after Autumn begins?) some characters were really annoying, (the little bugs, the toads, the beetle, Jacquimo, etc.) and how hard the moral was nailed into my head from beginning to end. Take a drink every time you hear "Nothing is impossible!" or "Follow your heart!", you'll be wasted in no time.
Also, don't listen to Marry the Mole. It's not sung well, the background music isn't too good, and the lyrics are just plain bad.
But it's an okay, cute movie for the kids. It's no Disney Princess movie, but it's decent.
Let Me Be Your Reason For Not Watching This
CuratingAesthetics26 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I remember loving this film as a child, back when I was blissfully ignorant of the hidden themes. Now that I've watched it as an adult I have to say this has to be one of the most abysmal children's films ever. The story is very inappropriate. Thumbelina gets passed around like the flu at an elementary school and sexually harassed by nearly every male character she comes in contact with. Almost every other character physically and/or mentally abuses her. I don't know what kind of message the writers were going for, but that is not a good one to be giving to children.
Sure the follow your dreams theme is good, but I don't see how getting lost, abused, and then at the end of the movie marrying a guy you've spent maybe an hour with counts as someone following their dreams. Even if that guy just happens to be a prince (shocker). The rest of the story doesn't provide much more in terms of quality. There is the stereotypical and unrealistic love at first site relationship and the problem of not fitting in and wanting more. The overall story has a lot of holes and spacing issues, with a very inaccurate time line. The characters were mostly terrible or annoying. The mother, for all the love she claims to have for Thumbelina, doesn't even go looking for her when she goes missing. Instead she sits at home in the off chance someone else will find her, even though she told no one the girl was missing.
The only redeeming factor in the movie are the ballads. "Let Me Be Your Wings, "Soon", and "Soon (Reprise)" are all great songs, even if they seem out of place with the tone of the rest of the film. Thanks, Barry Manilow.
Sure the follow your dreams theme is good, but I don't see how getting lost, abused, and then at the end of the movie marrying a guy you've spent maybe an hour with counts as someone following their dreams. Even if that guy just happens to be a prince (shocker). The rest of the story doesn't provide much more in terms of quality. There is the stereotypical and unrealistic love at first site relationship and the problem of not fitting in and wanting more. The overall story has a lot of holes and spacing issues, with a very inaccurate time line. The characters were mostly terrible or annoying. The mother, for all the love she claims to have for Thumbelina, doesn't even go looking for her when she goes missing. Instead she sits at home in the off chance someone else will find her, even though she told no one the girl was missing.
The only redeeming factor in the movie are the ballads. "Let Me Be Your Wings, "Soon", and "Soon (Reprise)" are all great songs, even if they seem out of place with the tone of the rest of the film. Thanks, Barry Manilow.
Thumbelina is Thumbs Up
joeb-1321 February 2005
This is a movie that grows on me. When first getting a copy, made little mark, but after my 3 yr old daughter started requested this repeatedly several times a day, I've found the songs and animation to have grown on me. It has much of the enchantment and dreamy themes that Disney studios seem only to accomplish during those revitalized golden years of early 90's at Disney. But I trust my daughter's taste, and I have a new found love now in this 10 year old hidden treasure myself.
Jodi Benson has a beautiful voice and it may be this is on of the leading attributes that captures attention the same way her Mermaid performance as Ariel has done.
I believe the test of a good film, is one that captures year heart and you can call you're own, and this one has found a way to do that.
Jodi Benson has a beautiful voice and it may be this is on of the leading attributes that captures attention the same way her Mermaid performance as Ariel has done.
I believe the test of a good film, is one that captures year heart and you can call you're own, and this one has found a way to do that.
It's alright
Josephpr19909 July 2023
I remember watching this 1994 American animated musical fantasy film on the VHS when I was younger. I thought I found it very entertaining but it's not quite good as the other Don Bluth films such as The Secret NIMH, An American Tail, The Land Before Time and Anatasia. Though I really don't dislike it but it's alright for myself. At least the voice acting is pretty decent like Jodi Benson (an actress who voiced Ariel from Disney's The Little Mermaid as we know) and the late Gilbert Gottfried (a same actor who voiced Iago from Disney's Aladdin as know as well).
It was originally distributed in 1994 by Warner Bros. Under its Family Entertainment imprint but since 2002, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment (now 20th Century Studios Home Entertainment but I still don't care) owns the distribution rights to this 1994 film. As of 2019, Disney now owns the distribution rights of the same film after their purchase of 21st Century Fox. By the way I don't know why Warner Bros. Sold the distribution rights of this film to 20th Century Fox.
It's probably one of the most underrated animated films of all time.
It was originally distributed in 1994 by Warner Bros. Under its Family Entertainment imprint but since 2002, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment (now 20th Century Studios Home Entertainment but I still don't care) owns the distribution rights to this 1994 film. As of 2019, Disney now owns the distribution rights of the same film after their purchase of 21st Century Fox. By the way I don't know why Warner Bros. Sold the distribution rights of this film to 20th Century Fox.
It's probably one of the most underrated animated films of all time.
Something Bluth should leave off his resume
pynchonv14 April 2001
My little sister went through a stage when she was about four where she insisted on watching a movie two or three thousand times. We endured so many viewings of The Lion King, All Dogs Go To Heaven, and Balto that the songs were indelibly stamped into our brains and we could say the lines along with the characters. We endured my sister's voracious viewing habits with varying degrees of grace, but the breaking point came when she started watching Thumbelina.
The movie plays like some sort of grotesque nightmare. Sure, you can try to describe Gilbert Gottfried's beetle character and Carol Channing's nagging mouse, but the sheer horror of the movie can't be comprehended until you actually SEE the scene where Thumbelina is mocked in an insect music hall. Trust me, it really must be seen to be believed. The plot, which follows Thumbelina's "mis-adventures", isn't terribly coherent or consistent, and you will feel serious loathing for each character within moments of their entrance (especially Prince Cornelius). The one person whom I didn't absolutely hate by the movie's end (which was viewed many, many times) was Thumbelina herself, who was such a pathetic, rag-doll of a figure that she only inspired an uncomfortable sense of pity. Really, there's absolutely nothing entertaining about this movie, and it ranks right around Rock-A-Doodle (which my sister thankfully was NOT attached to) as "Things Don Bluth Should Leave Off His Resume".
My sister has since grown past this habit and I haven't seen the movie in years, but the thought of the singing frogs still gives me chills.
The movie plays like some sort of grotesque nightmare. Sure, you can try to describe Gilbert Gottfried's beetle character and Carol Channing's nagging mouse, but the sheer horror of the movie can't be comprehended until you actually SEE the scene where Thumbelina is mocked in an insect music hall. Trust me, it really must be seen to be believed. The plot, which follows Thumbelina's "mis-adventures", isn't terribly coherent or consistent, and you will feel serious loathing for each character within moments of their entrance (especially Prince Cornelius). The one person whom I didn't absolutely hate by the movie's end (which was viewed many, many times) was Thumbelina herself, who was such a pathetic, rag-doll of a figure that she only inspired an uncomfortable sense of pity. Really, there's absolutely nothing entertaining about this movie, and it ranks right around Rock-A-Doodle (which my sister thankfully was NOT attached to) as "Things Don Bluth Should Leave Off His Resume".
My sister has since grown past this habit and I haven't seen the movie in years, but the thought of the singing frogs still gives me chills.
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