Escape to Witch Mountain

Length:  97 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? I wasn't even aware there was a book until writing this blip.

Best character: Jason O'Day portrayed by the wonderful Eddie Albert... another jerk with a heart of gold type. I'm apparently set in my ways.

But is it art? One of the first science-fiction films for children; this film remains among the classics in the genre. The bad guys are believable, the suspense is real, and the children manage unearthly quite well.

Major Flaws: Some of the special effects show their age, but overall not too shabby on that front. The random bear subplot seems a little odd, but again, liveable. (Also, I hear that there is a remake (sequel?) with The Rock in it. Horrors!)

The Emperor's Club

Length:  110 Minutes

I haven't seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? No book as far as I can tell.

Best character: ?

But is it art? ?

Major Flaws: ?

An Easter Carol

Length:  49 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? No book.

Best character: This one is a toss-up. I have a soft spot for almost any Scrooge incarnation, in this case Ebenezer Nezzer; I'm also quite fond of Bob the Tomato, taking on the role of Cavis in this film. 

But is it art? I like VeggieTales. They aren't high art. The animation isn't even particularly fine. They are fun though, and this film isn't short on the fun. But it still delivers on the serious side of things. This is my favorite Easter film, and the song at the climax packs an emotional wallop. 

Major Flaws: Tiny Tim stand-ins are almost always annoying. 

Dusty's Trail

Since not a single video of JUST the theme song exists you can enjoy an entire episode!

Length: 24 Minute Episodes - Complete Series

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? No book. But you might feel as though you're familiar with the story. Hint: It's Gilligan's Island. In the Old West. It doesn't even hide it well.

Best character: Gillig... I mean Dusty.

But is it art? Here is a shot from the show, you decide:

Major Flaws: Again... I'm pretty sure I've seen this before. Here is the kicker, I'm pretty sure this show existed solely to make Gilligan's Island seem plausible.

Ducktales

You sang it, didn't you?

Length:  22 Minute Episodes (Three Volumes)

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? Definitely in the spirit of the comics.

Best character: Gotta love the miser with a heart of gold - Scrooge McDuck.

But is it art? As far as I'm concerned this is among the pinnacle of anything an animated TV show can obtain.

Major Flaws: Doofus and Webby are two characters I'd rather forget.

Dragons: Riders of Berk

Length:  88 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? No. Not even close... okay, a little close. But all the big things are not close.

Best character: Both Hiccup and Toothless are wonderful characters, though shadows of their movie selves.

But is it art? Not exceptional, standard kid's made-for-tv fare.

Major Flaws: The dialog is trying even harder than it did in the film to be stylistic and capture modern youth.

Dinotopia: The Series

Dinosaurs, dinosaurs, dinosaurs!!!

Length:  42 Minutes 13 Episodes

I've seen most of this one.

Is it loyal to the book? Hmmm... All products in the Dinotopia Franchise are somewhat independent.

Best character: Zipeau the Librarian

But is it art?  Maybe. I've got a confession though... I've got a bit of a thing for dinosaurs... not in a nerdy educational way (but I do indulge in dino documentaries). I just love to LOOK at the things. I'm a complete and total sucker for all things dinosaur in film. From Dinotopia to The Land Before Time to Jurassic Park - I love them all.

Major Flaws: The scripts might be a little... weak. How weak? Well from the episodes that I've seen I can tell you that... um... something about government? maybe those sunstones again? THERE WAS DEFINITELY A T-REX INVOLVED!!!