'Finn McCoul' is not a story adapted an awful lot and it is a shame because it is quite charming and entertaining. Further interest points in checking out Rabbit Ears Productions' adaptation of it is to get more acquainted with Irish literature if you love all things Irish (have always loved its music a lot myself), to see as many Rabbit Ears Productions adaptations as possible (and there are some real jewels in their filmography) and for the opportunity to hear Catherine O'Hara narrate children's literature.
Rabbit Ears Productions' adaptation of 'Finn McCoul' is a great way of getting to know the story if you are not familiar with it already and want to get to know more about folk-tales from different countries. And those that are familiar with the story already and love it will be happy to know that the adaptation does it justice, with a lot of recognisable elements without being too faithful and being true to the spirit of the original folk-tale. 'Finn McCoul' is not one of my favourite adaptations from Rabbit Ears Productions and there are better adaptations of the consistently good to brilliant "We All Have Tales" series, but it is still excellent.
There actually really isn't anything wrong with it, just that other adaptations have the extra something that 'Finn McCoul slightly lacks. Other adaptations do a little better at drawing one in right away.
O'Hara's narration however is absolutely splendid. Her vocal contribution is both gently soothing and hilariously witty, any child will have no problem with being read to by her at night as it is the kind that relaxes one immediately while making them want to hear more. Another big selling point is Boys of the Lough's music, absolutely love the calm, lilting Irish sound when it comes to their music which is always so beautiful and hypnotic. Things that sum up the music here to a perfect tee, not to mention cheerful.
Likewise the visuals enchant and uplift, those for the lifting up of Finn's house by Caculin were very creative. The writing is humorous and charming and the story very rarely stops being engaging, the ending keeping one in suspense with how it is all going to end and the gentle charm and lively energy never stop. The characters drive the story beautifully with a rootable lead character. Its messaging of wisdom, how and when it is right to be cunning and how to react when feeling threatened doesn't patronise in any way while making the point, so in this respect it should be educational for younger viewers.
Summarising, great. 9/10.
Rabbit Ears Productions' adaptation of 'Finn McCoul' is a great way of getting to know the story if you are not familiar with it already and want to get to know more about folk-tales from different countries. And those that are familiar with the story already and love it will be happy to know that the adaptation does it justice, with a lot of recognisable elements without being too faithful and being true to the spirit of the original folk-tale. 'Finn McCoul' is not one of my favourite adaptations from Rabbit Ears Productions and there are better adaptations of the consistently good to brilliant "We All Have Tales" series, but it is still excellent.
There actually really isn't anything wrong with it, just that other adaptations have the extra something that 'Finn McCoul slightly lacks. Other adaptations do a little better at drawing one in right away.
O'Hara's narration however is absolutely splendid. Her vocal contribution is both gently soothing and hilariously witty, any child will have no problem with being read to by her at night as it is the kind that relaxes one immediately while making them want to hear more. Another big selling point is Boys of the Lough's music, absolutely love the calm, lilting Irish sound when it comes to their music which is always so beautiful and hypnotic. Things that sum up the music here to a perfect tee, not to mention cheerful.
Likewise the visuals enchant and uplift, those for the lifting up of Finn's house by Caculin were very creative. The writing is humorous and charming and the story very rarely stops being engaging, the ending keeping one in suspense with how it is all going to end and the gentle charm and lively energy never stop. The characters drive the story beautifully with a rootable lead character. Its messaging of wisdom, how and when it is right to be cunning and how to react when feeling threatened doesn't patronise in any way while making the point, so in this respect it should be educational for younger viewers.
Summarising, great. 9/10.
