The animation is good. The story revolves around a young boy who is probably 3 or 4 years old, his name is Sam and he's afraid of everything. However, the main focus of the film is on Bernard the polar bear, and two penguins (Eva and Lloyd).
I think the main problem people have with this film (based on the review here and elsewhere i've read) is that it's narrated but I thought it was okay. It reminded me of children sitting around at storytime listening contently at the reader telling them an educational story, or perhaps a fairytale. This film is a mixture of those two elements.
It's educational in that it teaches young children that you don't need to be afraid of what you do not know. It's okay to explore your feelings, and perhaps seek assistance from someone (like a parent, or friend) if they need to. It's also a fairytale because it has sort of a dreamlike state to it, magic, etc., that allows the story to be told in a nice way.
There's some funny moments throughout such as the way Bernard fishes by flatulence. The penguins and their (what seems to me) accidental antics, or curious ones; and when Sam appears infrequently, he's always scared of the most minuscule of things, at times. There's also a lizard in this...I forget his name. Zack, I think. Also, an old man dressed as Santa Claus (could be Santa Claus, not quite sure). A dog with a giant teacup that can take you places, and fish who are sly like a fox.
Oh! and a dragon! Who doesn't love a dragon?
I thought it was a fun film. It may run on a bit long but it was all worthwhile, I feel, in the end.
7/10
-Nam
