The House of Magic

Empire by Angie Errigo

A curious mix of Britpop music cues and moppet-bait storytelling makes for a diverting, if derivative kids' animation.

Time Out London by Cath Clarke

The 3D effects are dazzling, but the script creaks and the characters are thin.

Variety by Guy Lodge

It’s a thin premise that cues much cheery knockabout comedy, with ample scope for impressively whooshy 3D tracking shots.

CineVue by Jamie Neish

The humour is scant and there's no real risk of peril (Grant George's nephew and his dastardly plans seem more psychopathic than threatening). Yet when you have a film that's colourful, easy on the eye and full of positive messages about friendship and trust, then kids will be happy.

Total Film by Kevin Harley

Lawrence’s mechanised menagerie and the directors’ stereoscopic smarts entertain most.

Washington Post by Mark Jenkins

“Thunder” doesn’t boast a distinctive look or a cast of famous voices. But its characters are engaging and its action sequences exhilarating.

The Guardian by Peter Bradshaw

It is soulless, like something that has been generated by a computer programme.

The Telegraph by Robbie Collin

This script has not exactly been laboured over into the wee hours, and an audience used to Disney and Pixar will rightly expect better than this, whether they’re under 10 or not.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service by Roger Moore

It’s too bad the script lacks the sight gags or one-liners that could have made this good looking picture more animated.

Village Voice by Sherilyn Connelly

The story is serviceable enough.