
The quality of animated features not just suitable for the very young, but aimed at them, tends not to be very high. So prepare to be shell-shocked by the Pixar-level perfectionism lavished on the 100% 3D visuals of this charming Belgian-born CG confection, in which the titular turtle hasn’t mutated, isn’t a teenager, and doesn’t know martial arts – but still manages to hold kids’ rapt attention for 86 minutes. Sammy’s story spans fifty years, imaginatively encompassing a wide variety of marine life and environmental strife, and if the Brit voice actors (the Americans have a different cast) hadn’t phoned in their roles, cit ould have been a turtle triumph. Nevertheless, expect sales of pet turtles to treble, even if they turn out to be a bit less exciting in real life.