"Jane and the Dragon" (2005) TV series 2005-????

User Rating:

8.0/10   

Writers:

Richard Elliott (writer)
Carolyn Hay (writer)

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

15 October 2005 (Canada)

Genre:

Animation | Family | Fantasy

Tagline:

One sword, ten claws, two friends.

Plot Keywords:

Character Name In Title

Awards:

6 nominations

US TV Schedule:

Sat. Nov. 14	9:00 AM	Telemundo
Sat. Nov. 14	1:00 PM	NBC	Dragonphobia	#1.16

Cast

Tajja Isen	...	Jane Turnkey (26 episodes, 2006)
Adrian Truss	...	Dragon (26 episodes, 2006)
Cameron Ansell	...	Prince Cuthbert Hakan Kippernook (26 episodes, 2006)
Alex Belcourt	...	Queen Gwendolyn Hulda Ankarcrona Kippernook (26 episodes, 2006)
Will Bowes	...	Drake 'Rake' Gardener Junior (26 episodes, 2006)
Benedict Campbell	...	Chamberlain Milton Turnkey / ... (26 episodes, 2006)
Juan Chioran	...	King Caradoc Cedric Bartok Kippernook (26 episodes, 2006)
William Colgate		(26 episodes, 2006)
Isabel de Carteret	...	Princess Lavinia Pernilla Kippernook (26 episodes, 2006)
Jill Frappier	...	Lady-in-waiting Adeline Turnkey (26 episodes, 2006)
Alex House	...	Jethro 'Smithy' Junior (26 episodes, 2006)
Sunday Muse	...	Verbena 'Pepper' Salter (26 episodes, 2006)
Noah Reid	...	Gunther Breech (26 episodes, 2006)
Mark Rendall	...	Jester (26 episodes, 2006)
Aron Tager	...	Sir Theodore Boarmaster (26 episodes, 2006)
Clive Walton	...	Merchant Magnus Breech (26 episodes, 2006)

Country:

New Zealand | Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Australia:G

Company:

YTV

Absolutely charming!

I discovered this show a few months ago and have been addicted to it ever since. I showed it to my husband, and even he was blown away. We've seen every single episode, and can't wait for more.

"Jane and the Dragon" showcases Weta's incredible animation techniques (also seen in such movies as "Lord of the Rings" and "The Chronicles of Narnia"), which in this case combine lifelike movements--created through sophisticated motion capture technology--with artistic effects that give the show a delightfully unique visual style.

The characters are engaging and diverse, and all of them display both strengths and weaknesses--particularly Jane herself. It is refreshing to see a strong and charismatic heroine that also has clear weak points, and messes up frequently and often spectacularly. Of course, she always learns something by the end of each episode.

The plots are engaging and novel, masterfully juxtaposing delightful comedy with surprisingly compelling drama. Kids can learn along with Jane, gaining insight into important topics such as courage, integrity, and diverse aspects of friendship. Although the plots are always didactic, the show manages not to be boring or tedious for adults to watch.

The only audience I would not recommend "Jane and the Dragon" for (aside from those who have a problem with dung jokes) is very young children, purely for the reason that the show can be somewhat slow-moving compared to other children's shows, having extended scenes of fairly serious dialogue and long, beautiful shots of the fantastically animated scenery. Toddlers may lose interest, and get little out of the often very insightful dialogue. Otherwise, I recommend "Jane" for all ages. It is a pure delight--definitely worth watching. Sit down with your kids and enjoy!