Starring: Rob Schneider, Tim Curry and Alan Cumming
Director: Kyungho Lee
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Rating: PG
Run Time: 86 minutes
Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars
If you are not familiar with “Koala Kid”, that may be cause it was made in South Korea and was released outside of the U.S. under the title “The Outback”. This DVD is available exclusively from Walmart & Walmart.com. I have to say I actually highly recommend it for kids. It is very cute and colorful. It is packs a fantastic voice cast, which includes Rob Schneider, Alan Cumming and Tim Curry. It also stars but doesn’t showcase one of my favorites, Brett McKenzie. I assume that kids wouldn’t know who he is but he is the man behind the music in 2011’s “The Muppets” and also won an Oscar for Best Song. Kids are going to love this song, especially the musical number “Down Under”, this film is a hit.
Official Premise: Journey down under and meet a whole new breed of hero in this laugh-filled, action-packed animated adventure with an all-star voice cast, including Rob Schneider, Tim Curry and Alan Cumming. Johnny (Schneider) is a rare white koala bear who just wants to fit in and make friends. But when a twist of fate mistakenly transforms him into a fearless protector of animals, called “Koala Kid,” Johnny finds himself in over his head on a thrilling trek across the outback. With help from his hilarious new sidekicks, including a crafty Tasmanian devil, a lovable lizard and a boomerang-flinging female koala, Johnny may just outwit a villainous crocodile named Bog (Cumming) and become a true hero after all.
Like many of the recent CGI animated films to come from outside the U.S., “Koala Kid” was made and released in 3D. This film was fun but it was really made to be watched in 3D and really takes advantage of that format. I would have loved to seen a 3D Blu-ray for this film, which is only available in Germany right now. The DVD still looks sharp but a Blu-ray would have been better. The special features included might not be much for an adult but it is sure to keep kids busy for a while. There is a “Koala Kid Adventure Map” for them to explore and play with. There is a also a fun sing-along for the some “Down Under”. Your kids will be up on their feet and dancing around with this track for sure.
