Film

The Outback

Name: The Outback
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family
Released: 2012
Cast: Jenni Pulos, Frank Welker, Tim Curry, Alan Cumming, Nolan North

A scrappy animated adventure about a white koala wrongly cast as a hero when he teams up with a Tasmanian devil and monkey talent agent to rescue a kidnapped friend from a giant crocodile in the Australian outback. Colourful, fast-paced, aimed squarely at younger kids who enjoy silly animal sidekicks and desert derring-do without much emotional weight.

TMDb rating

2.8

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The wildcard

Something you would not have found on your own.

The Secret of NIMH1982

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A penguin adventure with a similar mix of comedy and heart, a charming scrappy protagonist, and beautiful landscapes. Mock-documentary style keeps it fresh and engaging throughout.

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Happy Feet2006

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Flushed Away2006

Adventure-comedy with a fish-out-of-water protagonist learning to survive in an unfamiliar world. Stylish animation and British voice cast deliver sharp humour for kids and adults alike.

But Sewer setting and toilet humour mean this skews younger in its comedic sensibility. Plot meanders occasionally and some jokes land harder on second viewing.

The Jungle Book2016

Live-action-animated hybrid with a young protagonist surviving in hostile terrain alongside animal companions and antagonists. Stunning visuals and strong voice work ground the adventure in genuine jeopardy.

But Darker and more serious than most animated adventures for younger kids. Extended sequences without dialogue might feel slow if you're used to constant quipping.

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Smart animal-ensemble comedy-adventure with excellent character work, a buddy-cop energy between leads, and enough wit for adults without condescending to younger viewers.

But Social allegory might overshadow the plot for some viewers. Ending trades action for message delivery and resolves conflict through exposition rather than adventure.

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