Protraph Lack of good storyline.

Majorthebys Charming and brutal

Hadrina The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

Beulah Bram A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

Moviefile A thoroughly entertaining children's program with enough interest to keep adults watching too. It was well reviewed in the upmarket press which also laments that the "US invasion ends golden age of children's TV". Well this program goes some way to redress that, and other more recent programs such as Merlin and Doctor Who do too! Thank goodness for the BBC which, while not perfect, does at least manage to put out some top drawer entertainment for those of us, both children and adults who do not speak in monosyllables, can cope with having our thoughts provoked and are capable of following a plot.I won't rehash the storyline as others have done that. The young lead actress gives a very good performance as a child who has been bereaved by the loss of her much loved mother, and further traumatised by being uprooted by her father from her home friends and family and taken to live in Scotland, is it any wonder she is moody, petulant and emotional? The rest of the characters are fun, a hissable villain, an otherworldly wizard from years ago, his humorous sidekick, and the wonderful characters of the zoo itself. Ally that with the beautiful Scottish landscape and some fine cinematography and you are in for a treat.All I would say that as it is squarely aimed at children this program acquits itself well. All the children I have spoken to about it loved the program, as did I and many of my adult friends. Overseas friends who I have sent the program too also tell me the same, so it would seem to have a pretty universal appeal (great Christmas present!).

jessink Shoebox Zoo is a refreshing show for the BBC, and duly, it makes pleasant family viewing. Children will love the animals in the Shoebox Zoo which the voices are brilliantly cast: (Rik Mayall, Siobhan Redmond, Simon Callow and Alan Cumming) – Rik Mayall being a personal favourite as the pompous, overbearing eagle. These characters breath life (excuse the pun if you've watched the episodes) into a somewhat … slow … series.The reason why it's so slow, is that the idea of the story is better suited as a darker drama, like in the same mould of Robin Hood (2006) I couldn't relate to the seriousness of the Book (despite Michael Scot's brief description in one episode) – but that's it. Only at the end do we find out its true contents: the secrets of life and death. This is obvious. And at the time, I was Douglas' age when I watched it.Speaking of which, I don't think Vivien was that bad at acting her role. The majority disagree, claiming she has tantrums, acts like a spoilt brat and is saved all the time by the Wizard. The sad scenes seemed sincere but I passionately disliked her overblown stubbornness toward the Quest and to Michael Scot. Peter Mullan did well in his role - perhaps too well for a family series (like I said earlier, it would be much better suited as a darker drama) but something was missing between his and Vivien's scenes.Vivien, I believe should have been a bit broader with her emotions – where was the silent confusion? The disbelief? All upset and seriousness came out in angry blasts! Tone it down a notch Douglas! You appear more sympathetic that way. Less is more.Little-known actor, Tony Donaldson plays the villain (Toledo) rather well. Though, his performance would have been ten-times better if he'd been more ruthless. I don't relate to any villain who calls his pets (Los Contrarios for instance) "Dainties" "Darlings" or his "Pups"- that made me laugh; it was so out of character. But I point my finger of blame to the script writers. Nevertheless, I loved his drawling voice and his performance overall.And lastly and by no means least, David McKay was great as McTaggert. I loved the buffoon and he said some great lines: "Now eat your greens" to a subdued, wallowing Michael Scot and referring to Toledo with titles such as "your Blissful Harmony." :) In general the whole thing was good but just too slow – I know the production had a budget so the effects weren't going to be Hollywood, but the story lacked heart. The school scenes were superfluous and apart from the awful actors that played the school bullies, I give credit to the actor playing John Roberts. The boy has talent! I give Shoebox Zoo 7/10 ~ Jess

jazziejo12 shoebox zoo is brilliant. who ever said that Vivian Endicott Douglas was a bad rotten actress, you are very wrong she is the best actress i have ever seen. well in programmes anyway. you should be ashamed of your self writing that. that gutted me reading that. if you really think she is that bad ( WHICH SHE IS NOT ) she is only 13 years old trying to play a girl who lost her mother, talking to toys. which are real according to Marnie but in real life we all no that there not. i just want to say to you what planet are you from? and yes I'm talking to the person who wrote that stupid paragraph about her being a bad actress!!!

Growlyted Shoebox Zoo is an enjoyable, yet flawed fantasy series. The enchanted creatures are the stealers, thanks to the talented vocal cast & the animators. The villain, Toledo, provides menace & humour in equal measure. However Marnie is a hateful protagonist, throwing tantrums at the slightest provocation & often mistreating the "Zoo." She is impossible to sympathise with. I also dislike Michael Scott, who also abuses the animals. I thought John Roberts, arrogant & mysterious, was the best of the children involved. The episodes are at their best when the creatures are on screen. The school scenes (excepting those with John Roberts) only bog down the story. The narration is irritating and unnecessary. There are some parts that are predictable for older viewers, but also some genuine surprises. I was disappointed by the ending though. However I will definitely be watching Season Two, if only for the delight of seeing & hearing the fantastic, animated ensemble.