Uninspired ‘Once Upon a Forest’ Covers Old Ground

The new animated feature “Once Upon a Forest” (opening citywide today) is reminiscent of a school cafeteria lunch: There’s nothing in it that’s bad for you, but it tastes like leftovers, even the first time around.

“Forest” marks Hanna-Barbera’s first entry in the animated feature market since the uninspired “Jetsons: The Movie” in 1990. This modest production represents a vast improvement, but suggests the artists need to continue honing their skills if they want to compete with the Disney, Amblimation or Bluth studios.

When a truck spills a load of toxic chemicals into the forest of Dapplewood, many of the animals who live there are poisoned. Among the victims is Michelle, a little badger who’s the niece of wise, irascible Cornelius, who teaches wood-lore to the young animals (“furlings”). As the adult animals have fled the noxious fumes, three furlings are sent to find the herbs needed to save Michelle’s life: Abigail, a spunky wood mouse; Edgar, a reticent mole; and Russell, a rambunctious hedgehog. Along the way, the mismatched trio learns the standard lessons in self-reliance, not underestimating others, etc.

“Forest” was obviously made with care, and contains some genuinely touching moments, as when Edgar learns that his mother may be dead and remembers that he was in too much of a hurry to kiss her goodby that morning. Even in its weakest moments, the film is never inept as is say, Filmation’s misbegotten “Happily Ever After.” Countless children’s films and television programs have used this basic themes in recent years.

The animation is more polished than other Hanna-Barbera feature efforts, but it still looks a bit flat. The backgrounds have a nicely spacious, woodsy feeling.

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The songs tend to impede, rather than advance the story. Michael Crawford sings the ballad “Please Wake Up” with his accustomed power, but the lyrics just restate what the audience already knows. They can see Abigail is small (“It’s the morning of your life”), and she obviously has to wake up if she’s going to live. Ben Vereen has a vocal cameo as Phineas, a loon who’s a caricature of a Southern revival preacher, in a long sequence that’s unfortunately reminiscent of the crows in “Dumbo.”

“Once Upon a Forest” (rated G) is a film parents can safely send small children to, certain that it contains no violence and offers an uplifting message. But adults and older children who accompany them won’t be able to help wishing it was a bit more interesting.

‘Once Upon a Forest’ Michael Crawford: Cornelius Ben Vereen: Phineas Ellen Blain: Abigail Ben Gregory: Russell

Twentieth Century Fox presents a Hanna-Barbera film produced in association with HTV CYMRU/Wales. Director Charles Grosvenor. Producers David Kirschner and Jerry Mills. Executive producers William Hanna and Paul Gertz. Screenwriters Mark Young and Kelly Ward. Animation director Dave Michener. Art director Carol Holman Grosvenor. Running time: 1 hour, 12 minutes.