this is a happy film

Lu Over The Wall is not a narrative masterpiece. It's not concisely plotted, its characters are not the most memorable, and its themes are a little muddled. There's an antagonist fake-out that doesn't work, and the bond between the human trio isn't quite as earned and heartwarming as the film wants it to be. But none of this is the point.

Visually and sonically, Lu is a feast for the senses. The titular Lu and her father are adorable and endearingly designed, and it's impossible to watch them and not be left grinning. The various animation styles are striking and impossible to look away from, and the soundtrack is masterfully unpolished and earnest. The combination of the animation and music conveys feelings far better than the writing does. For a movie to _watch_, Lu more than fits the job. Expect anything more, and you may be left burned.