Badjelly (2025)

Oliver Grant

4/5

Badjelly is a vibrant reimagining of Spike Milligan's beloved tale that successfully captures the whimsy and charm of the original. The film weaves together elements of adventure and comedy, creating a delightful viewing experience for both children and adults. The animation is colourful and engagin ... Show more >> Badjelly is a vibrant reimagining of Spike Milligan's beloved tale that successfully captures the whimsy and charm of the original. The film weaves together elements of adventure and comedy, creating a delightful viewing experience for both children and adults. The animation is colourful and engaging, bringing the quirky characters to life in a way that feels fresh yet familiar. Miriam Margolyes shines as the voice of Badjelly, infusing the character with a blend of menace and humour. Rhys Darby and Rose Matafeo complement her performance with their lively portrayals, adding depth to the story. The plot, centred around a lost cow and a treacherous forest, is filled with clever twists and turns that keep the audience entertained. Overall, Badjelly is a joyous celebration of imagination, making it a worthy addition to family film line-ups. Show less

Clara Thompson

3/5

Badjelly is an animated adventure that brings Spike Milligan's classic story back to life, but it doesn't quite hit all the right notes. While the voice performances are commendable, especially from Miriam Margolyes, the story sometimes feels a bit disjointed, lacking the cohesive charm of the origi ... Show more >> Badjelly is an animated adventure that brings Spike Milligan's classic story back to life, but it doesn't quite hit all the right notes. While the voice performances are commendable, especially from Miriam Margolyes, the story sometimes feels a bit disjointed, lacking the cohesive charm of the original. There are moments of genuine fun, particularly in the interactions between characters, but the pacing can drag in places, which might test the patience of younger viewers. The animation is bright and appealing, successfully capturing a whimsical aesthetic, yet it occasionally feels overwhelmed by the narrative's darker undertones. Despite its flaws, Badjelly has enough charm to entertain, but it may not resonate as deeply with audiences as one might hope. Show less