Toopy and Binoo are staples of the preschool entertainment landscape in Canada so it seems only fitting that they finally make their way to the big screen of your local cinema. But be warned, this movie is for preschoolers and nobody else.

This past weekend on a whim I took a look to see what movies were out for kids and saw that Toopy and Binoo had a full-length animated film. It seemed like a decent idea for my family. My 7-year-old was familiar with them as he grew up watching the animated shorts and my 4-year-old loves a good silly adventure. I had mixed expectations. I was never a big Toopy and Binoo fan but at least it wasn’t a Caillou movie.

Here’s the synopsis of the movie as per Tribute.ca

Although they live a happy life, an escalation of blunders causes Toopy and Dorothy, a comical genius, to accidentally make Binoo’s beloved stuffed animal, Patchy-Patch, disappear. The trio immediately set out to find the fabulous land of “The Lost and Found” where Patchy-Patch is surely to be found.

Along the way, the group meets twin seagulls looking for their father, and a magnificent Princess who has lost her dance partner. Together, the new friends, despite Toopy’s bumbling ways, try to find Patchy Patch and their lost loves.

The animation looks great. It’s crisp and clean and fun to absorb the world created. Commenting too heavily on a movie aimed at 3-year-olds feels ridiculous so I’ll say this, my 4-year-old loved it. With an 86-minute run time, it was able to hold his attention for almost its entirety, and when it was over he asked to watch it again. I cannot think of a better compliment to a film than wanting to watch it more than once.

My 7-year-old did not care for it and myself and my wife found it on the boring side of things. There are no “adult” jokes in this movie. Nothing is snuck in for the older kids or adults who might be watching. This is a movie that knows its audience and speaks to them directly.

Do I want to watch it again? No.

Will I? Absolutely. If it means I can make some popcorn and cuddle with my kids I’d sit through the worst movie. Even a Caillou movie.