A spell-binding animated feature with a message, "FernGully" helps children appreciate the rainforest and its real creatures, as well as imaginary ones. Since scientists are still discovering new species, that's relevant. Until the fairy Crysta encounters Zak, the fairies who live in FernGully hadn't seen human beings. Accidentally, she shrinks Zak to her diminutive size; meanwhile, when he's introduced to FernGully, it turns out that he's part of what's causing big trouble: He's a member of a logging team sent to bulldoze the entire forest, including the fairy people's beloved home.
FernGully is a spectacular place, with a bat named Batty, whose radar has gone haywire, and his many dear friends, including Pips and the Beetle Boys. Batty ignores his friends' warnings, and hopes to save their world from the evil Hexxus, an evil being, once contained, but now released into their world by deforestation. Crysta the a tree fairy is full of curiosity, which takes her to explore the world beyond FernGully. When she discovers Zak there, she's able to open his eyes to the beauty and magic of FernGully. He vows to help save it, but he and his new friends might all be too late. After bulldozing as much as they have so far, Zak's co-workers must help regain control of the diabolical Hexxus now intent on destroying all of FernGully and the rainforest.
This sweet movie is just right for younger children who would like to sort out good and bad in the larger world, and to support what's good, including Earth's natural wonders. Parents will enjoy watching it, too, and explaining that much of what it shows is real, and that we can do something before it really is too late.