Rebellious (2024)
Disney has a lot to answer for. The studio was so successful at animating fairy tales that to many the genre and the medium became intrinsically linked. To this day animation studios around the world are still producing fairy tale inspired features. Rebellious- also known as Rebeliious: Mission Royal Rescue- is just the latest in a long line. But is it any good?
Rebellious is the first feature to be released by UK/Cyprus based independent studio Magic Frame Pictures. It is directed by Alex Tsitsilin, previously known for helming The Snow Queen 2, The Snow Queen 3 and The Snow Queen 4 and for writing the Netflix movie Secret Magic Control Agency. It's written by Analisa LaBianco and Jeffery Spencer and features the voices of Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld, Dan Edwards, Jennifer Sun Bell, Vanessa Johansson, Brian Kim, Kate Bristol, Anthony Sardinha and Marc Thompson. It will be released in UK and Irish cinemas from October 25 via Dazzler Media.
In a fairy tale kingdom, an evil sorcerer has been kidnapping princesses. But he messes with the wrong princess when he takes 'Rebel Princess' Mina. While her father promises her hand in marriage to any suitor who can bring her home, Mina mounts a daring escape attempt of her own.
The film opens with a memorable montage of fairy tale princesses getting kidnapped. They're clearly designed to resemble well known characters like Snow White, Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty. It's an eye-catching way of opening the film, but if you're expecting a Shrek-style fairy tale parody, you'll be disappointed. This is pitched as a "modern twist on a classic fairy tale, but it's still pretty conventional in many ways.
The main "twist" here is in the character of Mina. Feisty, headstrong and not afraid to defy convention, she's a very modern heroine. She may end up getting kidnapped, but she doesn't sit around and wait to be rescued and helps the other princesses escape. The male lead Ronan, is also not a typical fairy tale hero- he's no prince and is more comfortable around books than bows and arrows. Considering the strength of Mina as a character, and the film's feminist message, it's a bit disappointing that she still needs ultimately rescuing by a man.
Rebellious is no classic but it deserves better than to be written off as another Disney wannabe. The script isn't particularly sharp, but there is still a lot of fun to be had here. It has a feel all of its own and there are some great sight-gags and slapstick sequences. It moves along at quite a clip and is never less than entertaining.
The animation and design work is really impressive, particularly on what was presumably a fairly modest budget. From the various princesses, to the villainous sorcerer to various critters, the character designs are impressive throughout.
The film has some impressive set-pieces and chase sequences. There's also a pair of musical numbers, although they're largely forgettable. The voice cast does a fine job, with a couple of stand-outs- Abe Goldfarb and Pete Zarustica put in particularly memorable performances.
If you are a fan of fairy tales, then you can't go far wrong with Rebellious. It's entertaining for audiences of all ages. It's not hard to imagine that for some kids out there, this is going to be a new favourite film.
Rebellious isn't exactly revolutionary but it's a really good time.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Family fairytale fun with a mischievious twinkle in its eye.
★★★☆☆
