The Most Magnificent Thing

The Most Magnificent Thing is a captivating 2019 animated short film, directed by Arna Selznick and features the voice talents of Lilly Noelle Bartlam, Tony Daniels, and Whoopi Goldberg.

The movie is an adaptation of Ashley Spires' award-winning children's book of the same name. It tells the heartwarming story of an unnamed young girl, voiced by Lilly Noelle Bartlam, referred to simply as the 'girl', on her awe-inspiring journey as she attempts to create the most magnificent thing.

The girl is ingeniously intelligent, fiercely determined, and bubbling with creativity. She has a best friend, a lovely, likable, and a faithful companion, which is her lovely pet dog, played by Tony Daniels. This dynamic duo takes the audience on an adventure that's relatable and engrossing, particularly to audience members who themselves have embarked on the challenging and rewarding journey of bringing an idea to life.

The girl has a clear vision in mind; she can picture the ideal end result of her so-called 'most magnificent thing'. With an innovative spirit and a heart full of ambition, she sets out to transform her imaginative idea into a tangible reality. She’s equipped with blueprints, materials, and above all, the drive to create something genuinely unique and meaningful. The film follows the girl on her creative journey, exploring themes of innovation, perseverance, and the tremendous value of trial and error.

Whoopi Goldberg lends her voice to the narrator, imbuing the story with her distinctive charm and comedy style, perfectly balancing the light-hearted innocence and life lessons embedded in the narrative. She narratively binds the girl’s tale, guiding the audience through the experiences and emotions encountered during the girl's dogged pursuit of her dreams.

The girl's journey encounters many normal yet critical obstacles seen in any creative process. Frustrations ensue, inadequacies are revealed, and defeat creeps in - but these issues only serve to underscore the film's core messages. The narrative explores how adversity and problems are not negatives but an integral part of the journey toward success and personal growth.

It also delves into themes of the iterative design process, illustrating the importance of reworking, revising, and persisting to achieve desired results. The movie successfully shows that mistakes and failures are not only inevitable but necessary steps on the path to success. It emphasizes that true failure only occurs when one gives up.

The animation style is unique, engaging, and wonderfully in sync with the story's light-hearted yet poignant narrative. The bright colors, fluid motion, and cute character designs are sure to captivate viewers of all ages. It’s a visual treat with an artistic flair that serves to enhance the storytelling experience.

Perfectly paced, The Most Magnificent Thing effortlessly holds audience attention. With a runtime of just under a quarter-hour, the movie tells an enchanting tale that teaches essential life lessons about reassessing situations from a different perspective, the importance of patience and hard work, and the journey rather than the end accomplishment.

While the story is simple enough for children to grasp and enjoy, it’s also layered with a depth that can be appreciated by teens and adults. It is a testimony to the fact that the pursuit of perfection often leads to frustration and despair, but if you step back, clear your mind, and look at things more objectively, a path to success begins to emerge.

In conclusion, The Most Magnificent Thing is a celebration of the creative process, relaying a riveting story of perseverance, friendship, and innovation. The positive message it sends about creativity, persistence, and problem-solving makes this movie an excellent watch for children. At the same time, its heartwarming narration and delightful animation make it a joy for people of all ages. The film tells us that there's beauty in the process, not just the product, which is an important lesson many can relate to, regardless of age.