VOYAGE OF THE UNICORN

REVIEWED BY CARISSA HORTON

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Because of: violence, thematic elements

Rated:

Dragons, unicorns, ships, elves, princesses! The very words invoke imaginary journeys to far-away mystical lands. Young Cassie Aisling (Chantal Conlin) is a dreamer at heart, a gift inherited from her now deceased mother. She spends hours pouring over the art book which was such a large part of her mother’s life. The pages overflow with magical beings, ships, fairies and dwarves, even hideous trolls. If only it was real. If only the book could carry her far from the arguments she has with her sister, Miranda (Heather McEwen) nearly everyday. If only it could ease the pain and loss in her father’s eyes. Her dreams are about to be realized. That evening, after a particularly heated family argument, Cassie, Miranda, and their father Alan (Beau Bridges) are swept into an amazing story. They are the chosen ones of a prophecy, the only ones who can bring peace once more to the land of King Oberon (Markus Parilo) and Queen Titania (Ocean Hellman).

Unfortunately, the Troll kingdom also learned of this special family, and has sent three of their followers to end this threat. However, faithful servants of Fairy land, Malachi (Colin Heath) a dwarf and Sebastian (Kristian Ayre) an elf, arrive first and are able to sweep the family to safety aboard their ship The Unicorn. Hence, the adventures begin. After receiving their instructions from the Lord and Lady themselves, the Aisling family, along with faithful Malachi and Sebastian, set out in search of a dragon. For whoever possesses the power of the dragon will rule this land forever. Searching is not an easy task, for the islands they must sail to shift constantly from previous positions. There are no easily identifiable landmarks. They are also being persistently tailed by a group of trolls, led by one, Skotos (Mackenzie Gray) who is merciless in his thirst for the throne.

During their perilous journey, the Aislings encounter many odd beings from well-known mythology. For example, the cruel-hearted Medusa (Kira Clavell) whose very gaze turns creatures to stone, the Minotaur (Mark Gibbon) with his two huge horns and the feet of a bull, and finally a Sphinx (Kimberly Hawthorne) with golden cat eyes and wide feathered wings. Cassie’s naturally friendly nature earns her many friends, and even Miranda softens toward her companions, particularly Sebastian. Yet, there is still the memory of home, for this land, though frighteningly beautiful, is not where they truly belong. All rests on the recovery of the dragon and yielding that power to Titania and Oberon. If the Trolls succeed, all will be lost.

There’s the regular amount of violence normally found in a Hallmark film. Swordplay does have a part in the film, though almost no harm is ever done with those weapons. Medusa’s eyes glow red when unveiled and she has the ability to turn creatures to stone. A talent which she does use on occasion. Her hair has been replaced with living snakes which hiss and roil. The trolls are rather hideous and strangely similar to the ones in The 10th Kingdom. Cassie, being the smallest, finds herself chased by strange beasts quite often. A sea serpent even makes a brief appearance. Our heroes are threatened with peril at every opportunity. Even doing themselves minor injury in a comical fashion. Romance is minimal, but present. Alan Aisling finds himself attracted to one who joins their party. Even sweet Sebastian sees Miranda in a loving light. Two characters share a charmingly romantic kiss, and one that was hopefully desired and fulfilled beyond expectations. Minor jokes spoken by the trolls fall horribly flat, and I was tempted to groan rather than laugh.

The music is fascinating and different, with a few modern melodies gently integrated. There is even a gracefully performed dance number. Sebastian and Malachi will steal your heart. Their characteristics are so very opposite, but are closer than friends, nearer to brothers. I grew inordinately fond of them both, and the movie would not have succeeded without them. You will even appreciate Miranda’s sarcastic humor. She is the ideal teenager. Oberon and Titania, unfortunately, were not as I pictured them. Anyone who knows Shakespeare’s beloved tale A Midsummer Night’s Dream, will realize it is Bottom who appears with a donkey’s face. Oberon was a fairy, nearly human in appearance, and nothing less. The only true description for Titania would be water sprite. Her very appearance gives the impression of her ruling the undersea world. With shimmery blue gown, makeup, and even hair, Titania is also not entirely what I expected though very well performed.

The colors of this world are pure magic in their own right. The lands visited almost seem to leap from the screen, inviting you to share the adventures. Costuming is unique, but tastefully accomplished. Of course, we know that a child of Cassie’s size could never stand with the weight of chain mail. However, that little indiscretion is easily overlooked. If you can overcome how mythology lives and breathes in Voyage of the Unicorn you will see it as a delightful treasure. True, none of these creatures exist, but it is entertaining to visit the land of imagination on occasion and dream.

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