This four timed BAFTA UK television show features young Josh and Elsie spending time with their family at a fun hotel, shaped like a windmill. They've got lots of spare time on their hands, so they willingly take over experiencing excitement and adventures in and around the hotel. Their older brother is the only other person who knows Grandpa's tiny secret.
incredibly bright colors used in the set design are a real mood-lifter. Enter the magical black cap. One soon discovers that old-fashioned magic can happen without things like remote controls. The shrunken grandpa reminds me of Tinkerbell flying around in the Peter Pan movies.
Many comical scenes are included such as tiny grandpa entering the flashing spaceship and taking off to rescue a pair of panties stuck in a tree. I enjoyed the 3D animations of the flying objects like airplanes and spaceships. It gives you a real sense of the vehicles quickly approaching and then retreating away from the audience.
The actress who plays Olga Orbit conveys her star-struck amazement at the planets, while gazing out at the universe. Her spaced-out personality is very convincing.
The special effects of the shrunken grandpa riding a bird, standing on a moving toy train and flying out from the chimney while inside a spaceship are all quite memorable. The animation is smooth and well executed.
My favorite part is when the eccentric astronomer Olga Orbit meets the full-size Captain Dumbletwit (magic grandpa). Heroes can appear in real life, not only in cartoons.
The message of this film is to appreciate one's elders. They have a lot of wisdom and skill to offer the world around them. Take advantage of their kindness!
I rate this show 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Reviewed by Jeff M., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror
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