Hindustan Times
Film review ·
With its consistent invention and visual deftness, Zambezia provides popcorn-ready entertainment for the entire family.


A family-friendly animated adventure let down by dated visuals and a predictable plot.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
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Critic consensus
Critical reception for Zambezia is mixed, with scores ranging from 30 to 70 out of 100. Some reviewers found merit in its family-friendly appeal and visual deftness, with one noting consistent invention and another praising the animation team's effort for a debut production. However, the majority of critics pointed to the film's dated and dull animation quality, a cluttered cast of characters, and a predictable, unoriginal plot as significant drawbacks. Overall, the film is seen as a modest, unremarkable entry in the animation genre that falls short of contemporary standards.
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Film review ·
With its consistent invention and visual deftness, Zambezia provides popcorn-ready entertainment for the entire family.
Film review ·
The plot of this South African film is needlessly complicated and the dialogues, too many. The surfeit of characters clutters the film and makes the pace plod at times, despite the relatively short running time. The animations look quite dull and not smooth enough, like a dated video game. This one's fairly ho-hum.
Film review ·
This film is an amalgamation of South African spirit and Hollywood subtlety. Targeted at kids between 5 to 10 years of age, parents too would find the film fascinating. The film is refreshingly delightful.
Film review ·
Predictability seeps in early on in the film. There is nothing that is new or hasn't been done before. In an age where every animation film breaks a new ground, Zambezia looks a bit old and dated.
Film review ·
In spite of being a debut venture, Director Wayne Thornley 's efforts, to churn out a film that appeals to children, should be lauded. With ten writers taking the credence for the film's story, audience shall nowhere feel that it has led to adulteration. And although the film is not a Pixar, Walt Disney or Dreamworks production yet a team of 155 people working on the animation of the film do not falter with the work.
Credits
Samuel L. JacksonTendai the Barbary Falcon
Abigail BreslinZoe the Black-shouldered Kite
Leonard NimoyChief Sekhuru the African Fish Eagle
Jeremy SuarezKai the Peregrine Falcon
Jeff GoldblumAjax the Lammergeier
Jenifer LewisGogo the Saddle-billed Stork
Noureen DeWulfPavi the African Sacred Ibis
Richard E. GrantCecil the Marabou Stork
Jamal MixonEzee the Nightjar
David ShaughnessyMorton the Marabou Stork
Corey BurtonNeville the Lilian's Lovebird
Tress MacNeilleNeville's wife the Lilian's Lovebird
Jim CummingsBudzo the Rock monitor/Marabous
Phil LaMarrAnnouncer Bird the African Grey Parrot/Dodo the Guineafowl
Zolani MaholaWeaver
Deep RoyMushana the Green pigeon
Tania GunadiTini the Weaver bird
Tom KennyMarabous
Kelly StablesGossip Bird 1
Jon OlsonMarabous
Sam RiegelHurricanes Birds of prey
Keeno Lee HectorHurricanes Birds of prey
Frank WelkerSill the Marabou StorkEnglish films like Zambezia