I really enjoyed this. I haven't yet acquired the DVD, but purchased it directly on iTunes. I'm not one who typically compares things, but rather, tend to look at things from the perspective of - is it worth $2 to have a slice of entertainment. If I'm entertained, then it was worth it. And I was entertained!
I could see any parent of young children, as the new-era version of reading a book in bed with their child, lying down together with a laptop and watching this, then discussing its message.
Firstly, I go to the movies ALL the time. I try to see about 150 to 200 movies, at the cinema, each year. But, I'm not a critic. I go to be entertained. I have only a little understanding of the CG science, art and craft, however, the 3-dimensionality of the graphics in this piece, the contemporary colors used and the personality created by the animation are excellent. The structure of the piece, and the genuine attempt to tell a good-hearted story, are endearing.
As a solo piece of work, this is quite an achievement. Whilst the bar has been set high by heavyweights such as Pixar, one needs to get things in context and remember the enormity of such a task - from concept, storyline, story arc, characters, look, feel, imaging, graphics, construction, music etc., (I really liked the piano piece), and appreciate that this guy, did it all, as a one-man-show. I think it was an excellent effort, and genuinely a nice piece of wholesome entertainment.