The Wind in the Willows is one of my favourite books of all time. While not as good as Mole's Christmas, The Adventures of Toad I still found great. The character designs are a little lacking in finesse at times, but the colours have a lovely evergreen feel to them, particularly the countryside and the backgrounds have a good amount of detail. The score is appropriately whimsical, and Toad's songs are very catchy, never too twee in lyrics and very enthusiastically sung. The ending song is just lovely as well. The writing is true to that of the book, and is done with humour and intelligence. I did find that of Toad in the prison very moving, and I did like that Toad was less arrogant at the end. The story has always been a timeless one and is not disrespected in any way, and the characters are still likable, Toad is the star of the show of the show but Rat, the daughter of the Jailer, the sinister stoats/weasels and the train driver in particular make a great impression as well. The voice acting I can't fault either, Hugh Laurie in particular is superb as Toad, though Richard Briers and Peter Davison also voice Rat and Mole perfectly. Paul Eddington successfully brings a wisdom and firmness to Badger, if not as gruff as one would like like with Toad at the start. Overall, a great and lovely animated adaptation of just one part of a wonderful story. 9/10 Bethany Cox
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