The Adventures of Tom Thumb & Thumbelina (1999 Video) User Reviews

It was cute, but...

[TheLittleSongbird · 5/10 · 6 April 2010]

...personally I didn't find it all that great. It had some cute and funny moments, and in general a decent vocal cast, but... the story and animation, in my opinion that is could've been better. Now don't get me wrong, I love the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale and I love the story of tom thumb, plus I have loved animation for as long I can remember so upon hearing The Adventures of tom thumb and Thumbelina didn't seem too bad. Also I am one of those people who actually likes the Don Bluth film Thumbelina, it is not an absolute favourite and had some problems but I for one found it enjoyable.

The Adventures of tom thumb and Thumbelina isn't all bad though. The biggest strength is the character of Thumbelina. If there is one thing I prefer here above the Don Bluth film, it is how Thumbelina is portrayed here. As much as I love Jodi Benson who voiced Thumbelina in Don Bluth's film, I much prefer her as Ariel. Thumbelina was cute in the Don Bluth film but nothing more. This Thumbelina has spent years of people telling her what to do, she speaks with authority, she is independent and knows what she wants plus she gets to make her own choices at the end. This Thumbelina had spunk and determination. Another key pro was the voice over of Jennifer Love Hewitt, she sings beautifully and it suits the character well. She starred in Garfield and Hunchback of Notre Dame 2, neither of which were particularly good, but Jennifer was one of the redeeming qualities of both films, she has a very endearing personality and I think it comes through when she voices Thumbelina. Thirdly, the song I am so all Alone, a beautiful, poignant lament beautifully sung, easily one of the more memorable songs of the film if no Let Me Be Your Wings. Peter Gallagher seems to be having fun as the Mole King, a character that can be sinister but also funny, even if he quotes a considerable amount of Richard III throughout the course of the film and Robert Guillaume while his role is brief is touching. Jon Stewart is not bad at all as Godfrey, I am not that fond of the character, but Stewart's vocal was above decent.

Alas, there are some assets that don't work. One is that I personally don't think the animation is that great. The backgrounds and colours are shoddy at times, and some of the characters's sizes keep changing, especially the Mole King who seemed to be getting bigger and bigger every time he appeared. While I am so all Alone is beautiful, the other songs aren't as memorable. Welcome to my hole was entertaining, but it didn't stick in my head for long, and Cha Cha Cha while cute was forgettable. Though it was nice to hear Brad Kane again, apart from starting off key he sounded charming. Then there is the story, I loved the premise and it started off fine, but the pacing was uneven and there were times where too long was spent on not-so-important scenes. The dialogue isn't anything noteworthy, it has some humorous and sweet moments but there are also parts that are cringe worthy. Then there is the case of Elijah Wood. I think tom was a cute character, and I felt sorry for him because he was ridiculed for his size. However, Wood was less than convincing voicing him, so tom's personality felt somewhat bland. Maybe I am being biased as I don't care for Wood that much, he has given some decent performances but not anything that I would rave about.

Overall, it was cute and Jennifer Love Hewitt was great, but the film on the whole is not. 5/10 Bethany Cox

Compared to the likes of "Rings", "Chihiro" and "Belleville", this is completely downright FORGETTABLE.

[dcjc · 6/10 · 23 February 2005]

It was but two and a half years ago that I saw an ad for this Miramax/Hyperion straight-to-DVD release on TV. From what I saw in it, I hoped it was nice and looked forward to it.

Then, on the morning of Sunday, February 20th, at noon, it premiered on the Disney Channel. Still expecting something nice, I gave it my best shot...

And what can I say? From the looks of things, DTV cartoons don't get any much worse than this...

It's such a living shame that the studio who brought a talking toaster and his friends to the world in the 80's--by that I mean Hyperion--is setting its standards down in this horrible marriage of two famous fairy tales. The animation is the most cheaply-made I have ever encountered, some of the lines are among the industry's bluest, and the musical rampage--well, what can I ever think about that?--is just forgettable.

The film suffers mainly in its two biggest problems:

1) Elijah Wood--aka Frodo the Hobbit--starring as Tom, among all people?! As miscast as "The Wiz's" Diana Ross playing a grown-up Dorothy, and "Hook's" Robin Williams in the role of (ironically) the boy who never grew up, Peter Pan. Why couldn't they get anyone younger than that?

2) Just how on earth can two people, who have never met each other, reunite?!! One of the biggest plot holes ever discovered in a cartoon. (Indeed...you have been WARNED!!!)

Even puzzling is the participation of Bebe Neuwirth from "All Dogs 2", as Thumbelina's mom, and..."America" author Jon Stewart?

So, for those before me who have watched it, I urge you to steer clear of this mess, and stick with either the 1994 Don Bluth version of "Thumbelina", or MGM's 1959 adaptation of "tom thumb"!

ALSO RECOMMENDED: Pirates of the Caribbean 1, the LOTR trilogy, The Triplets of Belleville, Sen to Chihiro... (Spirited Away), Pokémon Heroes: Latios and Latias, The Brave Little Toaster, and the Shrek films.

6\10 -- A good watch for all its detestable worth, but (unless you're under age 5 and don't have any good sense of Hollywood) not worth watching again in your lifetime.

not so good...

[rak78 · 1/10 · 21 September 2002]

These days cartoons are getting worst and worst. The nice story is somehow lost, when too much of singing is added. Also, the characters aren't created anymore to look nice and funny, the graphics aren't nice and the whole movie is boring...

I'm tired of running...

[Aleta_Nook · 5/10 · 22 December 2023]

On the surface, this film has a lot going for it. An interesting crossover premise, a compelling protagonist, some intense themes, and a heart-warming message. Unfortunately, it falls flat on all of these things.

Making Thumbelina a character who is easily abused and exploited is a refreshing take, but this was only really portrayed in the first 20 minutes and then turns into a basic kids' adventure film with conflict that's often easily overcome in like 5 minutes. There's also a lot of inconsistencies and plot holes in the story, like how Tom Thumb was originally a slave of the circus but has somehow escaped with no explanation. Thumbelina, being as headstrong as she is, never thinks to run away until another character tells her about her village.

Out of all the characters, Thumbelina is the only one with a clear arc and personality. Unfortunately, she's often inconsistent and doesn't really go through any obstacles that test her flaws and grow her as a character. She's also pretty unlikeable as she insults almost every character that she encounters on the first meeting.

On a technical level, the colorful and expressive animation will appeal to children, but there are some points where the animation looks sloppy and unfinished. The music sounds nice, but it ranges from bland (I'm All Alone) to bizarre (One Two Cha Cha Cha).

It may appeal to really young children, but some of the dark scenes might scare them or make them uncomfortable. But I think this will be too silly and safe for the preteen crowd. Personally, I think it should've just went the dark route as that's where the movie really shines while still keeping a fairly lighthearted atmosphere for the younger children.

In writing and characters, I think it is a little more stronger than Don Bluth's Thumbelina.

[molinagrn · 6/10 · 14 July 2019]

I watched this movie on a DVD that had other kid movies like Hugo and Alligator Pie (think that's what it's called?) and I found this movie. I grew up with the Don Bluth version Thumbelina, but rewatching it now the story is not very good with how pushed over, constantly crying she can't do the impossible until the end of the movie, and she is used and tossed around until her friends step in, as well as the annoying characters like Jacquimo that aren't any better. Even though the movie is beautiful with how talented Don Bluth is with his hand in animation, the movie is a mess with its pacing and structure in plot. So I was curious about this version of Thumbelina.

After watching it, I don't think it's that bad as people are saying it to be. It does have a slight problem with being forgettable in some areas like the visuals, some songs (which I was surprised to see more than three on the actual soundtrack, must've forgotten the rest.) and also plot points in its delivery but there are still things it did do right.

One example is the Thumbelina in this movie ISNT A PUSHOVER! That was something I disliked about the Don Bluth version is how Thumbelina just took things and acted so self-pitying all the time. It's fine to have her like that in the beginning but gradually believe in herself but she doesn't. Thumbelina here grows up in a more abusive home in the circus after the ring master snatched her up from her village as a baby, she has had enough about being put down by those around her or deciding her life. When she hears about the chance there is a place she belongs with people like her, she says she can do it and pushes to escape. She does still have doubt about her worth and place in the world but it's brief and doesn't deter her from pushing herself to achieve. I love that. Not the bubbly Thumbelina from Don Bluth but at least she had more substance. Thumbelina even has some flaws as well which her friend/love interest Tom Thumb help her overcome it. I give props for recreating her character to be stronger.

I like Tom Thumb too here in this movie, he's someone who tries and he has some optimism and quirky awkwardness. So I like him a bit too. There is also Albertine, a bird that is saved by Thumbelina. I think she's sweet and I am sad that she was somewhat forgotten in this but I like her portrayal better than Jacquimo. She's also given a reason of why she can't fly Thumbelina, because she was kidnapped as a chick and never got to learn. Even with that, Albertine still /tries/ when they are in danger. With Jacquimo kept forgetting or Thumbelina was too daft to see she can get on his back and fly back home, so thank god they at least have a reason of why Albertine can't fly out in the beginning but learns over time in the movie.

I also like the reincorporation of Thumbelina's trauma with others that try to put her down, like the Mole King telling her that she's a reject like him just like the circus master, to which she protests against. Speaking of the Mole King, he is put as a main antagonist in the movie along with his two minions who fool him. I think the Mole King is a decent villain here. He has a comical, seemingly chill nature but is also fine with taking out his subjects and has a short temper with things. It was entertaining to see.

I also liked how the contrast in how Thumbelina and Tom Thumb grew up. I think the portrayal of Thumbelina's abusive home life is pretty spot on. And I love Tom being raised by Ben. The moments they had were so sweet and their goodbye to I assume because Ben is getting older and will most likely pass away soon (which how he said "I'll be going somewhere and.. you can't come with me.." I think that's what he was talking about) it was very touching.

There are a few problems with the movie. Like the plot is a little too basic at times or just kind of happens with little reason. Some moments are forgettable, even a few songs. I did like "I'm All Alone" song and the reprise of it, even the Mole King song but the rest were generic sounding and not that interesting. I think they should've built up the arrival to the town of little people (not sure they weren't fairies in this but oh well) because it just felt tacked on after escaping the Mole King. Also the bugs were pretty annoying and not sure why they were so integrated with the main cast to the end but oh well.

If this movie had more interesting visuals and fixed the problems above, I would put this as one of my favorite movies. I still enjoy it for trying and doing a few things right with its story, but I think it's just okay over all. It could've been better and I've been thinking on how to make it of better quality in a rewrite, since it has the potential.

Worth a look

[glennchaika · 9/10 · 11 April 2021]

It's low budget animation (I heard for around one million total!) but it still is good to watch. Some great songs. Clever and funny. The Mole King steals the film. Liked the look too. Wasn't your ordinary plain looking backgrounds. Art Direction was nice too.

This film warms my heart

[lauramarierobel · 10/10 · 9 February 2021]

True the animation isnt great but the story line is relatable and heart warming many of us can feel for thumbelina feeling all alone in her world many of us feel the same in our everyday lives. Also how confindent she is unlike the disney thumbelina film she is more strong and doesnt take nothing from anyone not even the mole king or the circus leader who stole her. Tom thumb teaches her to trust people more after not being able to trust anyone in her life she starts to break down her walls and let him in and she finally didnt feel alone anymore. When I was growing up the songs we always so catchy and made me want to sing along I always love one two cha cha cha, welcome to my hole, and I am all alone these songs shaped alot of my childhood. This movie much like Treasure Planet, Anastasia, and many other films are punished for their bad animation and are overlooked for their storyline and impact on many peoples childhoods as being memorable and happy moments.

A Childhood Favourite

[MovieTVRomanceFan · 10/10 · 5 August 2021]

I've always loved this film ever since I was kid and I love watching it again and again. All the songs were fun and enjoyable and I loved all the characters from the bugs to the mole minions. The best of all was especially the romance between Tom and Thumbelina. They are so cute together and their personalities go really well too as they are somewhat opposite because of their different upbringings, but they bring out the best in each other. Another thing I love about this film is how it teaches a person to stand up for themselves and speak their mind. However, my only compliant is that I've often felt the ending was rather faced paced when Tom and Thumbelina find their real home and Thumbelina reunites with her long lost royal family. Aside from that, this is a great film with lots of adventure, comedy, music, friendship and romance that I'm sure anyone will enjoy. I know I do as I've always cherished this film and I still watch it to this day.