Leap! Is a charming animated movie that implores you to dream, for dreams do come true if you try hard enough! And despite being set in the 1880s, the plot and expert animation don’t give it a dated feel that would bore kids in any way.

Felicie (Elle Fanning) is an 11-year-old orphan living in an orphanage with a nightmarish supervisor Luteau (Mel Brooks), who just hates smart and cute kids. But Felicie has a support system in the shape of best friend Victor (Nat Wolff), a fellow orphan. They both have a very effective way of surviving the drudgery of their situation by dreaming. Somewhat starry-eyed, they both constantly talk about their dreams of one day becoming rich and successful — she, by becoming a ballerina and Victor wants to be an inventor. And it is one of Victor’s amateurish inventions that aids them to escape Luteau’s wreath and the orphanage.

In no time they arrive in Paris and set about on a relentless pursuit of their dreams.

The process leads them to many new experiences, hardships and it even tests their friendship.

Leap! isn’t very funny or refreshing in its storyline, but it is refreshing in its treatment and atmosphere, that is sweet, tender and uplifting. Its positivity is sure to make both kids and adults keep believing in the power of dreams, something badly needed to counter the harsh effects of the modern world of cold realities.

The cast do justice to their roles, with both Elle Fanning and Nat Wolff sparkling in the lead, and pop star Carly Rae Jepsen is the voice of a former ballerina-turned-cleaning woman, and comedian Mel Brooks shines as the sinister Luteau.

Leap! is not an exceptional kid’s movie like Frozen, but it is a feel-good way to spend some family time. Much better than starring at a gadget.

Rating: PG (for some impolite humour, and action)

Published in Dawn, Young World, October 7th, 2017