Harvie and the Magic Museum

Dire... An absolutely awful movie to be avoided at all costs. A muddled story line, bland imagery and uncomfortable script make this one of the worst children's movies I've ever seen!

Very inconsistent storyline and couldn't get out of it's own way when trying to find a satisfying conclusion. The titular Harvie is pretty unlikeable and only advances in his "quest" through dumb luck and refusing to heed caution from his caring but absent minded father. The story uses devices to advance the plot with no setup or investment earlier in the story. The "computer games train us for real life" idea has been done well many times, this is not one of them. But the kids liked it... so what do I know!

There are actually fewer guidelines or rules in cinema than people assume. You can make a movie with no people in it at all, and it can still be fascinating (Microcosmos). You can make a movie with no linear timeline and / or a confusing plot, and it can still be great (The Lost Highway). You can make a movie that starts at the end and goes backwards, and it can still be wonderful (Memento). But when it comes to animation, things change. There just have to be some constants: Competent character design, MODERN animation (I had to type that in capital letters) and an interesting story. Otherwise, the paragraph above doesn't apply. Harvey And The Magic Museum is a perfect example. If this had come out in 1998, it would have received a much warmer welcome. Unfortunately, it's 2020 now, and audiences just won't accept this. Sad but true.