This movie has gotten a lot of poor reviews but I honestly can't relate. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and actually spent a large portion of it crying because of how touched I was. It's one of those weird children's film's that will probably age, be lost for a little, and then discovered by precious little ones and kept like a gem, not unlike The Neverending Story.
The first half of the film is rushed and feels very thrown together and a lot of that has to do with the info-dumping that needs to take place and the character set up. But as poorly as it's done it's done and the second half really pays off because of it. Meg's character in particular reflects the events of the first half. Another reason it's not the best beginning is because the stakes don't feel real and the direction it moves in doesn't have much momentum. Once the Missus' leave and the kids are on their own the stakes are immediately elevated and the search for the missing father becomes the much more active rescue mission.
Visually the movie is beautiful and colorful. The stylization works well for how weird the film is over all and how many seemingly random events happen. It made the movie fun and more enjoyable because even if the pace is off and the plot is weak it's a delight to view and it's a shame not to watch it on a larger screen. Later, when the tone gets darker as do the colors it's balanced well and rather than just show the darkness by having more shadows the film employs more matte and empty-feeling colors, such as a dull orange.
While it's not a perfect movie by any stretch of the imagination it's an empowering movie for young girls-- especially young girls of color. Meg is an amazing protagonist that breaks and mends your heart many times. I think it's easy for any woman to see part of their childhood in Meg and to appreciate the way she grows.
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