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What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Alex Orner

While seeking refuge from a wild storm, cowardly Richard Tyler (Macaulay Culkin) stumbles upon an eerie library. After slipping on a wet floor and becoming unconscious, he is sent on a magical journey in a cartoon fantasy world controlled by the Pagemaster (Christopher Lloyd). Befriended by the personified books Adventure, Fantasy, and Horror, Rich leads the gang through the mysterious and unpredictable world of the Pagemaster. Rich faces his fears as he tackles threatening forces such as Moby Dick, Mr. Hyde, Long John Silver, and a fire-breathing dragon.

Is It Any Good?

4

Almost straight from the pages of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, David Kirschner's THE PAGEMASTER pays homage to the classic tale, is imaginative, and full of good messages. The Pagemaster unleashes the power of books. It also highlights the importance of facing one's fears. The film will make youngsters laugh, but more important, it will make them learn. Even though the film may not match the remarkable digital quality of a current Pixar film, the animation is quite good for 1994. Numerous guest voices include such stars as Culkin, Patrick Stewart, Whoopi Goldberg, and Leonard Nimoy. However, adults might catch themselves occasionally yawning.

Families with young children will find The Pagemaster extremely beneficial for getting their child excited about reading.

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