In this retelling of the classic Bible story, we see a computer generated David trudging through a blowing sandstorm and coming upon a sleeping giant, Goliath. Goliath awakens and gives chase, with evil intentions in mind. A fleeing David trips over a rock, happens to find a small stone nearby, and lets it fly from his trusty slingshot. The resulting climax is Biblical history.
The animation in this short film is quite detailed. Goliath blinks his eyes slowly and sleepily when first awakened. He rolls over on his side to get himself up from his prone position. There is interesting use of moving shadows. When the protagonist and antagonist walk or run, their shadows follow them closely. The production design is appropriate, with the story set in the desert.
My favorite part of this film is the sandstorm, where you can barely see David amidst the swirling wind and clouds of dust. It's hard to know what you are looking at in this scene, so it raises the viewer's curiosity.
The message of this film is that size doesn't usually matter. It's the effort and the precision that counts most of the time! I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, as well as adults. Reviewed by Jeff M and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult reviewers.
C. A. MacFinn is a Canadian - American animator and filmmaker who has been interested in the intersection of art and technology ever since he saw Star Wars as a small child. His animated short "The No Face Doll", was an award winner at Canada Shorts, and it, "Why The Nighthawk Has Such Beautiful Wings", "Glooscap and The Baby" and his thesis short "Raccoon Trouble" have been official selections and screened at over 32 international festivals including three films at Athens Animfest (Greece). "Glooscap and The Baby" and "The No Face Doll" were also invited to screen in a special showing at The Water Protector's School at Standing Rock Camp in 2016.
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