The Secret of Kells

TedFlicks Rating:

$2.00 ticket on a scale of $0 to $12.50

A CURE FOR CHILDHOOD INSOMNIA

It is difficult to believe that “The Secret of Kells” has earned an Oscar nomination. This earnest, fantasized account of the rescue of the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript honoring Saint Columba produced in the eighth century, A.D. from the claws of barbaric Vikings, is up for the Oscar in the Animated Feature category.

The fanciful tale has a monastery, beautifully illuminated manuscripts, and an enchanted forest ruled by a fairy who appears to be a little girl. It also has a little boy, nephew of the dour Abbot, who displays a fine talent for illuminating manuscripts. And there are monsters as well as a precocious cat. Of course the boy and the girl fairy get together for some adventures giving “Kells” a buddy pic element. One would think that all those ingredients would make a pretty good stew, but such is not the case with “The Secret of Kells.” Instead, it’s boring.

While it’s chock full of pretty images, it is woefully short on compelling storytelling, character development, and suspense. What little comic relief the tale has largely falls flat. In its favor, it is only 75 minutes long.

Blame goes to director Tomm Moore and co-director Nora Twomey. It’s the earnestness that does it in. The directorial team set out to “tell a story that’s entertaining and captivating for a young audience with themes that will carry a resonance for all ages…. We endeavored to bring Irish culture and design to the screen and to deal with the importance of art and enlightenment in challenging and difficult times.”

That is one tall order. Aside from not captivating or entertaining, it more or less succeeds in its politically correct mission. However, political correctness does not necessarily make for compelling film, not when it is pic’s overriding consideration. Note to directors: Stop flacking for Ireland and start making compelling pics. Irish culture is far better served in “Fifty Dead Men Walking.”

Your critic’s advice: Take the kids, especially if they have a problem napping. “The Secret of Kells” should cure it.

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