REVIEW: David (2025 Animated Film) - Starring Phil Wickham, Miri Mesika and Lauren Daigle

Review by Jon Donnis

David arrives as an ambitious animated biblical musical that sets out to retell one of the most familiar stories in the Old Testament with warmth, colour and a surprising amount of confidence. Following on from the Young David television miniseries, this feature-length continuation charts the shepherd's journey from quiet devotion to reluctant leadership, with faith as both its anchor and its engine.

The film opens gently, rooted in Bethlehem and in the music of David's early life. He is presented not just as a future warrior, but as a poet and musician, shaped by his mother's love and a deep, personal sense of God's presence. That calm is shattered when Samuel anoints him as Israel's future king and he is pulled into the troubled orbit of Saul, a ruler already unravelled by divine rejection. From there, the story moves steadily towards the Valley of Elah and the confrontation with Goliath, a sequence that is handled with real visual scale and narrative clarity.

Visually, David is often breathtaking. The animation is richly detailed, painterly without feeling static, and confident enough to linger on faces, landscapes and moments of silence. Battle scenes carry weight without becoming overwhelming, while quieter passages, especially those involving music, allow the film to breathe. For a 2025 release, it comfortably sits among the most impressive animated features of the year on a purely technical level.

The musical elements are another strength. Songs are woven into the story rather than bolted on, often functioning as expressions of faith, fear or resolve rather than simple spectacle. David's final act of singing in the face of execution stands out as a bold choice, turning worship into defiance and giving emotional logic to the film's climax. It is sincere, sometimes almost disarmingly so, but rarely cynical or hollow.

Narratively, the film covers a great deal of ground. From David's anointing to Saul's jealousy, from exile to mercy in the cave, and finally to the recognition of David as king, the script remains broadly faithful to the biblical account laid out in Samuel. The relationship between David and Jonathan is given room to develop, adding emotional texture, while Saul's descent is portrayed with a tragic edge rather than cartoon villainy.

That said, the film's biggest weakness is its length. At one hour and fifty minutes, it occasionally feels stretched, particularly in the later sections where pursuit, escape and regrouping follow familiar rhythms. Younger viewers may feel the drag in places, even if the quality of the animation and music does enough to keep attention from fully slipping.

Still, these are minor complaints in what is otherwise a confident and heartfelt production. David may be aimed at families, but it does not talk down to its audience. Its themes of loyalty, courage, mercy and faith are clearly articulated without feeling aggressively didactic, and the emotional beats are allowed to land without being rushed.

As a surprise, it is a significant one. David feels like a film that arrives quietly and then lingers, offering something sincere, beautifully made and unapologetic about what it believes in. Whatever the wider critical noise, this is a strong piece of faith-based animation that understands both its source material and its audience.

I would give David a confident 9.5 out of 10. For me, it stands as the best animated film of 2025 and a reminder that family storytelling, when done with care and conviction, can still feel genuinely special.

Out In Cinemas Now

More details at https://www.angel.com/movies/david

REVIEW: Zootopia 2 (2025 Film) - Stars Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Shakira, Idris Elba, Alan Tudyk, Nate Torrence, Don Lake, Bonnie Hunt and Jenny Slate

Review by Jon Donnis

Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Zootopia 2" reunites audiences with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde in a sequel that embraces both comedy and heart. Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, this 2025 follow-up offers a fresh mystery centred on a cunning pit viper shaking up Zootopia. The film carries forward the spirit of the original while expanding the city's landscape and delving into more layered societal issues.

The plot sees Judy and Nick, newly partnered at the ZPD, navigating clashing personalities while attempting to crack the case of a mysterious reptile. Their investigation leads them to the Zootenial Gala, secret reptile enclaves, and the forgotten corners of Tundratown. The story's complexity is balanced with humour, clever dialogue, and tender moments, particularly as Judy and Nick confront the challenges of trust, partnership, and justice. Ke Huy Quan's Gary De'Snake brings unexpected warmth to the narrative, while Andy Samberg's Pawbert provides a mischievous foil.

One of Zootopia 2's strongest elements is its humour. It lands for all ages, with jokes that entertain children while sprinkling in winks adults can appreciate. The film also carries a resonant message about acceptance and recognising the contributions of those historically overlooked, echoing themes from the original but adding new depth. The animation remains top-notch, with vibrant cityscapes and lively character expressions that make the world feel lived-in and expansive.

However, the film is not without flaws. At over 1 hour 45 minutes, it feels a touch overlong for an animated feature, occasionally losing the brisk momentum that made the first film so engaging. While it does an admirable job of building on the original, it does not quite reach the same magic, leaving the original's sharpness slightly overshadowed.

Despite these minor issues, Zootopia 2 succeeds as a thoughtful, fun, and visually delightful sequel. It balances humour, adventure, and emotional stakes while offering a story that challenges its characters and, subtly, its audience. It is a full movie-going experience that families can enjoy together, packed with memorable moments and a meaningful message about moving forward while honouring the past.

Zootopia 2 is an excellent sequel that delivers on both laughs and heart. I score it a solid 9 out of 10.

Out Now in Cinemas

REVIEW: Light of the World (2025 Film) - Starring Ian Hanlin and Benjamin Jacobson

Review by Jon Donnis

Light of the World is an unusual thing to see in cinemas right now. A hand-drawn animated film about the life of Jesus, told through the eyes of the Apostle John. Directed by Tom Bancroft and John J. Schafer, it looks and feels like something from the classic Disney era, and that alone makes it stand out.

The story runs through all the familiar beats, starting with young John and his family, and moving into Jesus' ministry, the miracles, the crucifixion and resurrection. None of this will be new to anyone who grew up with the Bible, but seeing it framed through John's eyes gives it a more curious, almost childlike angle. Jesus feels approachable here, not some distant figure but someone who talks, laughs, and carries a real warmth. That makes it easier for younger audiences to connect.

The animation is the big draw. It's gorgeous in places, full of colour and detail, and clearly made with care. There's a certain magic to seeing a Biblical story given that old-school treatment, and it makes you wonder why we don't see more films like this. Voice work is strong too, especially Ian Hanlin as Jesus, who brings a calm, steady presence. Benjamin Jacobson makes John feel wide-eyed but not naive, which is important when the whole film is resting on his perspective.

Light of the World has its heart in the right place, and it's clearly made to introduce kids to the story of Jesus in a way that feels both respectful and accessible. There are not many well-made animated Biblical films, and this one is worth celebrating.

For me, Light of the World is a lovely, sincere effort, beautifully animated and voiced, and it captures the heart of the story. I'd give it a solid 9 out of 10.

In Cinemas Now