After a zippy* opening that sets up the ages-old conflict* between those good-guy forest-dwellers and the evil Boggans, who want to destroy their paradise*, the film focuses on the real world, where M.K., a lively teen (voiced by Amanda Seyfried) is trying to reconnect* with her lonely absent-minded dad (Jason Sudeikis).

    The dad, Professor Bomba, has long suspected* there’s something unusual going on in the woods, and he sets up some homemade detection* devices.

    M.K. soon discovers her dad was onto something when she finds herself magically transported to the small world of the Leafmen, joining forces with the fearless Ronin (Colin Farrell) and the headstrong Nod (Josh Hutcherson) to take on* the Boggans’ dark lord of destruction, Mandrake (Christoph Waltz).

    Director Chris Wedge keeps the pace brisk* and involving*, especially during those battle sequences.

    Where the animated film comes up short is on the inspiration* front — the characters lack the sort of unique personality traits* that would prevent them from feeling too familiar.

    The energetic voice work (also including Beyonce as the forest’s Queen Tara and Pitbull as a wheeling-dealing toad) is very entertaining.

    Production designers Greg Couch and William Joyce establish the film’s beautiful forest environs and sound designer Randy Thom creates a soundscape that allows for the rustle* of leaves or a breath of air to coexist* in the middle of those louder action sequences, made even better by Danny Elfman’s buoyant* score.(SD-Agencies)