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Strange Magic

SCORE: 78

Do you know how many times I am working on a product and I ask myself: "what have I gotten myself into?" Ever wonder why that is? Because of the hundreds of products that come through Family Friendly Gaming every single year. More often than not, I have little knowledge on products that come into us for a review. Strange Magic on DVD is a great example, about all I knew about it was the name.

Pretty early on while watching Strange Magic I realized something. This animated movie is a musical. We are not talking a song or two like in some Disney movies. This is duets, and characters breaking out in song at routine intervals. I can't remember the last animated musical movie I have seen. The music helps give Strange Magic some of its unique charm.

Strange Magic starts really slow, but eventually gets going. There is heartbreak, rage, and anger near the beginning of Strange Magic. There are a couple of major characters who are hurt and in pain. Other people hurt them. Because of this they despise love. To make matters worse there is a way to make a love potion. Sprinkle it on someone and the first person they see - they will love.

There is a splattering of fairyland creatures in Strange Magic. There are fairies, elves, goblins, toadstools, a variety of woodland creatures, and more. The heroic character in Strange Magic is not who you think it is. In fact the normal hero is demeaned, diminished, and treated like dirt. Which brings up a fascinating question. For people who have been hurt, why are they going out there hurting others?

Strange Magic teaches some good lessons. Like love what is on the inside, not on the outside. Don't judge a book by its cover. Be faithful and true. Parents be patient with your children finding the right member of the opposite sex to have a relationship with. There are no shortcuts to love. Finally Strange Magic taught me to break out singing older songs whenever it feels right.

There are plenty of humorous moments in Strange Magic. With the love potion concept I am sure you can guess what kinds of things happen. I won't spoil Strange Magic for you. It has a modern day predictability to it. I enjoyed watching Strange Magic and so did our children. They had to adapt to the High School Fairy Musical concept - which is what they wound up calling Strange Magic.
- Paul

Graphics: 75%
Sound: 85%
Replay/Extras: 75%
Gameplay: 80%
Family Friendly Factor: 75%

System: DVD
Publisher: Touchstone Home Entertainment
Developer: Lucasfilm Ltd
Rating: ‘PG’ for Parental Guidance
{For Some Scary Action and Scary Images}
Company provided product
Value/Cost of the review is greater than value/cost of provided product

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