
Director Peggy Holmes using a screenplay by Kiel Murray has pulled together two themes: one concerning children without parents through the eyes of an eighteen year old graduate of the child foster system. The other a pleasant excursion through a secret world where good and bad luck are sorted out by a gaggle of interesting animated characters. How they fold together is interestingly presented but the animation of a constant series of perpetual motion machines both hinders at the same time it makes the path for Sam (Eva Noblezada) easier to follow.
The animation of the black cat Bob (Simon Pegg) by Skydance Animation are quite effective we follow the cat who never has a misstep (even when walking over a series of umbrellas held by folks ducking the rain).
Bob and Sam chase a gold penny through the good luck world and the bad luck world as she and her friends at her institution home hope to have parents someday (sounds like Little Orphan Annie).
With Jane Fonda as the dragon, the story becomes interesting, the movement of the animated characters is filled with smart activity which are fun to watch. The film is not without flaws, but it works especially for kids.