JUSTIN MATLOCK reviews THE UGLY DUCKLING AND ME (U).

HANS Christian Andersen's classic fairy tale gets a modern reworking in the animated family film THE UGLY DUCKLING AND ME (U).

That in itself should get alarm bells ringing but more disappointing here is the quality of the animation.

With youngsters expecting the slick visuals of blockbusters like Ratatouille and the Shrek series, the animation is more suited a TV cartoon than the big screen. The script feels equally under-done but there is enough action, gags and charming messages about family to keep youngsters entertained - although only just.

The story centres on a scheming rat who stumbles across a remarkably ugly duckling and sees a chance to make a killing by showing him off at the local carnival, but it's the film itself that's the real ugly duckling.

Held back by low-budget animation and an obvious script, you hope the film can transform itself into something beautiful before the credits roll. It can't and while the duckling can expect a happy life as a swan, the film never finds a way to soar. - JUSTIN MATLOCK