The King's Beard (2002)

Rufus spends all his money to buy a barber shop. He's shocked to find out that nobody cuts their hair just like their King Cuthbert. The King has been cursed by his greedy twin brother Jasper when Cuthbert refused to surrender the throne. The Fairy Wizard can't break the curse to cut the beard. The Wizard's daughter Sophie lost her wand to Jasper's bat minions. Jasper commands the bats to get Sophie as she slowly dies so that her essence can maximize the wand.The story is interesting. The beard idea gives some compelling scenes. I'm not taken with any of main characters. It's trying to be Disney but missing the magic. It's got animal side characters. It just needs more fun in the dialog. The animation is Saturday morning cartoon quality. This is not that bad for little kids.

I honestly love the King's Beard. There was a time when it was played every Christmas but it isn't anymore. Shame really, this is actually really good. My only complaints are that it is too short and I do remember the beginning being a little on the intense side. Everything else though is great, the animation is colourful and nice and the music is lovely. I loved the simplicity of the story and characters, and that both elements were engaging enough for kids and adults. The vocal characterisations are excellent, Jim Broadbent and Colin McFarlane especially do a great job as the Wizard and the villain Jasper. I liked Sophie, she is beautiful and Rufus is very likable. Overall, I like this underrated and almost forgotten treasure. 8/10 Bethany Cox

A great movie. Found this movie on late at night and decided to watch it. I was nicely surprised for once. It's good to see some depth in ideas and symbols being used in a children's movie. They always seem to be a lot more interesting in this context, more light-hearted and full. It seems that the fairy-tale still is fascinating to any age of mind. It would be nice to see an adult film that could lend itself to a source similar to this but it tends to be the case that attempts are a bit lacking in meaning towards any genuine feeling. The animation is not extremely interesting but is not at all distracting; back round is cool but the characters are simple. Everything, including characters, is well thought through and the whole feeling thats set in motion is happy; not Disney happy (good). Some parts are brilliant. I'll definitely be finding a copy of the film for my niece. I wouldn't mind watching it again either. A pleasant surprise for a late night movie watching and doubly great for being a cartoon, always good to see animation.

The Kings Beard is a absolutely great film. I watched it the day before Christmas- I'm really glad I did! The animation is top-notch and the story is brill. But I must warn you, the songs can get quite annoying after watching it more than five times, but it's a good film, perfect for a rainy day.I found that, after asking around my own age group, that majority of people loved it, even my mum loves it! It's simple but has a really good feel to it- a lot of heart must of gone into it.Whatever you do, don't judge the clips of it or front cover of the video, you need to see what it's really like by watching it. This is a great film for all ages- even the older generations too. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did... Have Fun!