The Slim Family (2017)

Directed by: Roy Poortmans | 78 minutes | adventure, family | Actors: Matheu Hinzen, Precious Bostelaar, Tatum Dagelet, Harry Piekema, Najib Amhali, Sara Dol, Peter Aerts, Dionne Slagter, Dick Carlier, Roy van Breemen, Alex Swamipersad, Horace Cohen, Jennifer de Jong, Han Leopold, Bas van Meurs, Sanne van Meurs

The Dutch children’s film ‘The Slim family’ is about a family of inventors. Father, mother and daughter Vera live up to their name and come up with the craziest things that also work. A device that can move objects, for example, or a wristband that can let the wearer do the coolest dance moves. The youngest, Max, has also been infected with the inventor bug, but his ideas have so far failed.

When he befriends the new girl next door Aiza, she initially seems only interested in Max because his sister is a famous vlogger, but she soon convinces Max of her intentions. She supports Max with his inventions and makes him realize that it’s okay that he isn’t as talented as the rest of the family yet. When the invitation to the annual Inventicon, a competition in which numerous inventors participate, comes in, Max decides to skip this year. He doesn’t feel like exploding or melting another invention and stays home alone. However, father Fritz, mother Julia and Vera appear to have been lured to the location under false pretenses. Someone is after them, but who?

‘The Slim family’ tells a predictable story, but that is compensated with enough humor, action and speed. Adults often already know the inventions from other films, series or stories (a teleportation machine, a self-driving car), but the way they are used in the film is funny. For the young target group, however, it could only be the first acquaintance with smart gadgets and science fiction-like devices. The acting is solid, especially the disarming Matheu Hinzen stands out in a positive sense. Positive messages such as perseverance when things go wrong, honesty and friendship are usefully woven into the scenario, so that it is not overblown. Nice film for primary school children.