The Willoughbys: the story told in Kris Pearn and Rob Lodermeier’s animation is lacking in depth and subtlety; the characters, even the heroes, are quirky, but not particularly engaging. The story is faux-dark, as it follows 4 kids which are utterly neglected by horrible parents but somehow are functional enough; the humour is zany and the pace is sugar-rush-like. That much at least matches with the visuals: the film is candy-colored and bright and some settings are well-designed, but the animation models for the characters are too simple, uninspired, and unattractive. The voice acting is OK: Ricky Gervais is a perfect choice the play the petulant and bitter narrator; Will Forte, Alessia Cara and Seán Cullen are correct as the kids. Martin Short and Jane Krakowski are properly distressing as they play the two horrible parents.