Valhalla Reviews

This animated feature, based on a popular Danish comic strip, was, at the time of its release, the most expensive film ever made in Denmark. Four years in the making, the time and money spent certainly shows. The design is lush and the feature is populated by lively characters, often recalling the best work of the Disney Studios. Unfortunately, VALHALLA lacks a linear plot line and instead develops its story as a series of loosely knit set pieces. The story concerns a young brother and sister who are taken by Thor, the thunder god, to live in his palace where they are befriended by a mishievous troll named Quark. This is a confusing tale that develops in a helter-skelter fashion. Furthermore, the story lacks any real central conflict to link the episodic structure. However, the film is not without some merit. Technically it is a marvel to look at. Backgrounds are stylized paintings giving a certain moody look to events, and the characters are lively.