A Young Girl and Her Cat Take on Reptilian Evils

We saw "April and the Extraordinary World" at PIFF, and it's coming back to Portland.

By Nathan Carson

April and the Extraordinary World is coming back. It opens Friday, April 8 at Fox Tower.

Here’s what we thought when we saw it at PIFF.

[FRANCE-BELGIUM-CANADA] Releasing a subtitled animated feature is a tall order. Originally based on a graphic novel, which translated to April and the Twisted World, this steampunk epic is an uneven affair. The backgrounds are gorgeous. The characters leave much to be desired. The story begins in an alternate-history Europe in which electricity was trumped by coal and Napolean V is in power in the 1930s. A dour young girl and her talking cat must breach a vast scientific conspiracy that goes above the government to a place that is delightfully and unexpectedly reptilian.

Critic’s Grade: C

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