Kikoriki: Legend of the Golden Dragon – Fun, family-friendly DVD
The lovably simple residents of peaceful Kikoriki Island are thrown kicking and screaming into big adventure when their resident scientist invents an amazing device (a helmet called “the Improverizor”) which takes personality traits from one person and swaps them with someone else’s! But when spineless young Wally tries to use the untested device to cure his cowardice, he ends up even more spineless: by getting accidentally body-switched with a squirmy little caterpillar. Now he’s got more to fear than he ever dreamed, and so do his fellow villagers, as they’re dragged into a madcap adventure packed with plane crashes, mistaken identities, erupting volcanoes and angry natives on the warpath. Boy, do the Kikoriki crew wish they could switch places now: with anyone!
Kikoriki: Legend of the Golden Dragon
By Tristan T. , KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14
Kikoriki: Legend of the Golden Dragon is a family friendly animated film based on the television series GoGoRiki. Directed by Dennis Chernov and originally voiced by Russian actors, this film is one of two DVDs that are being brought to American audiences by Shout! Kids Factory.
The story begins with the local scientist creating a machine called the “Improverizer” which swaps 
people’s personalities. But something goes terribly wrong when a young coward, Wally, gets ahold of the device. Wally’s friends and other Kikoriki residents go on a journey to help him return to his original body. It is a tale of finding yourself, learning to trust your own instincts and not rely on silly mechanisms like an “Improverizer” in order to change and grown and friendship.
The animation is done in CGI (Computer Generation Images) and is colorful and aesthetically pleasing. Each 
of the characters are based off of animals and their personalities are very fitting. Their bodies are egg-shaped and the DVD actually includes an egg decorating kit so you can make your own Kikoriki villagers at home. The animation is cartoony and fun, but some times I did feel it was a bit slow. As an illustrator myself, I found the landscaping and various imaginative backdrops were my favorite part of Kikoriki.
My favorite character is Wally. Wally started off as a coward and tried to use the “Improverizer” to change his personality. But in the end he learned that bravery comes from within. I found myself laughing several times during the film.
I feel Kikoriki: Legend of the Golden Dragon is appropriately rated PG for rude humor and mild peril. It also includes a few adult references and jokes, but nothing so noticeable I feel a younger child would pick up on.
I recommend this film for ages 6 to 12. I give this film 3 out of 5 stars. Available now on DVD.
KikoRiki: Legend of the Golden Dragon
Rohan Foxe KIDS FIRST! film critic, Age 11
KikoRiki: Legend of the Golden Dragon is a funny animated film featuring lots of bright and hilarious 
characters. I like how it has lots of jokes referencing other films. It is a very interesting film with a cool animation style. I like how it includes lots of zany contraptions that make me laugh. It has an entertaining story filled with prophesies, volcanoes, treasure and jokes.
In the story, a young sheep named Wally gets tired of being a scaredy cat so he uses one of the town’s scientist’s inventions to get courage. He trips and accidently misuses the device and ends up in a caterpillar’s body. Meanwhile, the other residents of KikoRiki Island are taking a plane trip when their plane crashes and are lost. They find the native chameleon’s village and discover that Wally’s caterpillar-controlled body is worshiped as the golden dragon spoken of in a prophesy. Wally gets the same information from some hilarious treasure hunters and both groups try to get his body back.
This film is very funny and has very colorful characters. The story has many twists and turns that keeps it exciting entire time. I especially enjoyed how they have a slow buildup of action throughout the film, not all in one place. This film’s moral is to think highly of yourself. They also emphasize how you can do anything if you believe, friendship is important and good always comes out on top. I feel these are important morals because they teach a lot about self-respect.
My favorite part of the DVD is when what the characters are playing happens in real life. This is 
hilarious and shows that the writers have great imaginations. I also strongly enjoyed the part where Wally becomes a caterpillar because it is like a Rube Goldberg machine which I find very entertaining.
I really enjoyed this film. It is very entertaining and funny. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 15. I also think parents will enjoy this. It is available now on DVD so, check it out.
