Based on the eponymous line of plush toys, this animated musical offers a worthy lesson for children about the need to look beyond superficial appearances for true beauty and goodness. Rejects from the toy factory live together in a harmonious society led by a cheery mayor (voice of Blake Shelton). One free-spirited doll (voice of Kelly Clarkson) persuades her friends (voices of Pitbull and Wanda Sykes) to explore the wider world where they encounter flaw-free figurines preparing to be received and loved by children. The wicked leader of this community (voice of Nick Jonas) heaps disdain on the new arrivals and schemes to thwart their quest to be appreciated and cherished. Director Kelly Asbury echoes the far superior “Toy Story” and “Monsters, Inc.” films, though his feature does offer a snappy, singalong soundtrack.
Watch out for: Brief cartoon peril.
Rated: A-I, general patronage; MPAA: PG