Noah's Ark (2024)

Two musical mice - "Vini" and "Tom" are taking a well earned nap one afternoon when they hear God having a bit of a rant at his old pal Noah. He's had enough of his project Earth and wants to start again, so tells the man to get building. A ship big enough to hold two of each creature then he's going to send enough rain to wash the slate clean so animals from far and wide are invited - by airmail - whilst he sets about building his ark. Now this boat isn't quite as robust as the one Russell Crowe built in 2014, but after a few shenanigans the critters are assembled and down comes the inundation. The flaw in all of this meticulous planning is that the menacing lion, backed by his henchmen, is soon intent on raiding what little supplies that vessel caries before proceeding to an exceptionally fresh all you can eat buffet. Can the intrepid little mice - now joined by "Nina" do anything to thwart this grand design long enough for the dove of peace to struggle through the wind and the rain in the search of land? There's nothing remotely religious about this story, it's just an amiable animation that characterises a few jungle creatures and uses some forgettable musical numbers to deliver a sort of "Ark's Got Talent". It's probably half an hour longer than it needs to be, but when it gets going it doesn't hang about delivering a tale of friendship and determination, whilst reminding us that bullies are usually the most cowardly of any group. Sure, it's a bit derivative and it certainly reminded me of the "Lion King" at times, but it's harmless family fun that will be fine to leave the kids in front of the telly with at Christmas.