Sammy's avonturen: De geheime doorgang (2010) Reviews

• Simple, but very enjoyable

  cesar-onlinebiz2011-01-22

  This is a beautiful animation with fun 3D sequences. It has a simple story with an ecological message but as the movie is aimed at kids that is actually a good thing. The story and message will not fly over the little ones' heads. The characters are likable and the story's pace go on the right speed, not dragging itself or going too fast. Good fun for kids and parents as well. I've watched a dubbed version on Brazilian Portuguese so I can't speak for the original voice work, but this version I watched was very well done. The English version features the voices of stars like Melanie Grifith and Tim Curry. I highly recommend the 3D version as the movie has many sequences that will not be as entertaining and good looking on the 2D version.

• Gave it a 10 for the 3D

  barryhomework042010-11-22

  Don't listen to the 3D snobs, the 3D on this film is wonderful. My kids watched it in Thai while I listened to tunes on my I-Pod (because I can't speak Thai). Amazing. If you're a teenager looking for fart jokes, glib one-liners, sexual innuendo, or pop culture references, you'll be disappointed. But if you can just relax into the outdoor and underwater and nature scenery you'll have a great time. The 3D pops out at you like the old traditional style on steroids. During the scene where the turtles are hatching, it actually feels like you're leaning over a hole on the beach. Snakes and piranhas jump out of the screen and and tiny fish hover at your nose. I do agree the story seemed kind of cliché. But if you are looking for a kind of thrill ride of 3D with wonderful art direction, you'll love it. So glad I have kids or might never have experienced the best 3D I have personally experienced.

• Works in 2-D too

  kosmasp2011-12-05

  I only watched in 2-D (the cinema was only showing it that way). It was mostly filled with the target audience (kids), but even as an adult you can enjoy the movie. There is of course an underlying message "hidden" in the movie, bit it never is too heavy. So there is no danger of the movie being too preachy (something another movie did and therefor failed in my opinion, to be a better movie). You have to have a soft spot for animals (even if animated) of course to like this. Or you just take your kids/nephews to see it and you won't be disappointed. The animation and voice work are decent enough (don't expect Pixar quality), too.

• entertaining, great soundtrack and good message

  caritherage2012-08-28

  I hadn't heard of this movie at all before stumbling onto it on Netflix, so I had no expectations. My husband and I watched it with our two year old son and we all greatly enjoyed it. My son asks to watch it again regularly. Great animation, intriguing story and enjoyable music to accompany it. It does carry a strong message about the environment, pollution, human interference, etc., but I didn't find it bothersome, since it was presented in such a way as to influence kids to be more conscientious about their actions and about the world around them (and really, what is wrong with promoting that sort of behavior?). The story does not steer away from the very real dangers that sea turtles face, so if you have a sensitive or squeamish kid, you may want to pass on this for now, but my son wasn't negatively affected by it at all. Some have suggested the message is too liberal, or that it is annoying to be preached to during a movie, but as a non-liberal myself, I didn't come away with that feeling at all. The issues presented were fact-based, so if you find it distasteful, then feel free to stick your head back in the sand and ignore the reality that surrounds us all. All in all, I recommend this movie!

• Wonderful 3D and characterizations

  modgirl-32012-05-20

  I have a 3D TV and this is my first online purchase. I love movies about animals, but I don't love movies where humans are demonized. To the credit of the movie, some were not. The animals were adorable, the 3D graphics were incredible and it was a lovely story over all. The part that bothered me was the humans being the bad guys. Yes, we do stupid things. But when Sammy's best friend eats jelly fish, they didn't focus on the peril it put the jelly fish's family under. Or when the shark was trying to eat them, they just took it for granted it was nature's way. Nature has given us a bit more skills than found in nature and we can do things that look a lot ickier when taken out of context. But on the same vein we have Fluffy, trying to keep his humans, Vera, saving her fellow turtles, and other humans helping save the wildlife they endanger. Look at the overall story and you see that it all comes together. We are not evil, just misguided. Put the beautiful graphics with the lovely animal characters and enjoy the movie for the beauty of it and try to pretend they aren't crucifying humans. We aren't all like that. Not even close. The last 10 minutes made it all worth while. I cried. I don't cry. To acknowledge nature needs humans to help them survive made the movie complete. For some reason, I have deep need to love a turtle right now. :-)