Conference of the Animals (3D)

The first animated 3D film from Germany, "Conference of the Animals", has only the title and a few motifs in common with the story of the same name by Erich Kästner. The intention to convey an important message in an entertaining way, however, establishes a close connection between Kästner's novella and the animated adventure of the "Urmel"-makers.

The animal world in the Kalahari Desert is in a frenzy. For days, the inhabitants of the savannah have been desperately waiting for the water that should have arrived long ago from the distant mountains. Of all things, Billy the meerkat, who no one really believes has anything like courage, sets off with Socrates the lion to find out what has happened to the water. Their adventurous journey brings them together with some strange animals, all of whom have had to flee their homes destroyed by humans and environmental disasters. But it soon turns out that their new refuge is not the paradise they had hoped for either. For here, too, man has spread out and prevented the vital water from running into the valley with a huge dam. Now it is time to do something about the destructive work of man. The "Conference of Animals" is convened...

"Conference of Animals" is apparently concerned with getting its not insignificant message across on the level of great US animated films like "Madagascar" or "Ice Age". However, this is where the problem lies. As cute as some of the characters are, as adorable as some of the ideas are implemented, the film clearly lacks any ideas of its own. Everything somehow seems as if you've already seen it in other animated movies - and mostly a bit better. Because not only own ideas are missing, but also a certain pace. It is to the creators' credit that they largely refrained from fast cuts and too hectic action sequences. Because that makes "Konferenz der Tiere" really recommendable especially for small viewers.

However, the motion sequences always seem a bit sluggish and even the numerous cover songs of well-known oldies lack the right momentum. The film repeatedly feels like it's moving a little too slowly - and that becomes a real test of patience in the scenes where the turtles tell their story gaaaay slowly.

Surely, "Conference of the Animals"has its heart in the right place. The intentions are good, but unfortunately the execution is only partially successful. Because also with the most important aspect of the film, the ecological message, the Macher go somewhat clumsily to the thing and beat in the happening supported by the WWF again and again violently with the moral club on the spectator. After a while, the viewer is left to roll his eyes instead of really thinking about nature and animal protection. Here a more subtle approach would have been definitely advantageous.

Despite all the criticisms, "Conference of the Animals" has become, at least for children, an entertaining and also amusing animated adventure with many charming characters. The fact that the film falls far short of its potential will probably only be noticed negatively by accompanying adults

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp