Is Goodnight Moon & Other Sleepytime Tales Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1999)

📖 The Core Premise

Goodnight Moon & Other Sleepytime Tales returns to the screen in 1999, bringing a fresh narrative to the Animation, Family genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd's bestselling children's book headlines this winning 25-minute collection of sleepytime tales from HBO. Susan Sarandon narrates the simple story of a bunny readying for bed. Other top entertainers lend their voices to the tape: Tony Bennett sings the story of "Hit the Road to Dreamland"; Lauryn Hill brings rhythm to "Hush, Little Baby"; Billy Crystal lends many voices to Mercer Mayer's "There's a Nightmare in My Closet"; and singers Natalie Cole, Aaron Neville, and Patti LeBelle sing other tales. A dandy video for the youngster, punctuated with "interviews" of real kids answering a host of bedtime questions."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. The performance by Billy Crystal is a highlight, bringing a palpable intensity to the screen. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Animation. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Goodnight Moon & Other Sleepytime Tales worth your time? If you appreciate Animation, Family films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Goodnight Moon & Other Sleepytime Tales is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 27 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.