NAPOLEON

Synopsis:
Napoleon is a 10 week old golden retriever puppy who wants some adventure. However, he gets more than he bargained for when he is carried aloft in a makeshift hot-air balloon. He finally lands, with the help of Birdo, his galah friend, who teaches him lessons for survival in the wild.

"We all agree that animals are scene stealers, and the popularity of such films as Babe and Milo and Otis has been reflected at the box office. Napoleon is a charming children’s film, which combines the various talents of an impressive voice cast list, with diverse Australian backdrops and delightful animals. Napoleon himself (as played, we are told by 64 different puppies) is adorable and most watchable, as he explores diverse Australians locations, chosen for their extremeness and beauty. This reviewer was not totally sold on the choice of voice for Napoleon, but otherwise, the talents of the voice cast are both novel and considerable. Bill Conte’s songs are particularly pleasing and are reminiscent of the wonderful songs in Yoram Gross’ animated Dot films. The Australian settings are quite fabulous, and all the extremes of nature are there - earth, wind and water. Napoleon explores green mountains, flat red desert, snow covered landscape and water. The interaction between the animals is of course wonderful to observe, and it’s a happy journey that we make with this cute little pup."
Louise Keller