This straightforward yet affecting story revolves around a community of rejected dolls living in isolation in the unflatteringly named Uglyville. Clearly there’s very little chance of them ever becoming a child’s plaything.
Along comes Moxy (dubbed by Kelly Clarkson), the leader of the ugly dolls. She’s determined to venture beyond the confines of their village, and accompanies a ragtag bunch of misshapen colleagues to the neighbouring Institute of Perfection to see if they can’t change the plot here.
Primarily financed by a couple of Chinese promoters, the film is intriguingly co-produced by Robert Rodriquez of the Spy Kids series. The gifted musical voice cast includes Clarkson, Nick Jonas (a vain boy-doll villain named Lou) and Janelle Monae (the sole sympathiser among the lovely girl dolls); expect several moving and hummable tunes, including a standout track titled ‘Unbreakable’.
Overall, this is a light-hearted animated musical fantasy that sends home the valuable message that everyone should embrace their imperfections, love themselves and allow for flaws in others. The throwback style reminiscent of hand-drawn animation will likely appeal to pre-teens and adults alike.