Casper & Emma – Into the mountains – Karsten og Petra ut på tur (2017)

Directed by: Arne Lindtner Næss | 83 minutes | family | Actors: Oliver Dahl, Alba Ørbech-Nilssen, Thorbjørn Harr, Björn Freiberg, Jeppe Beck Laursen, Janne Formoe, Markus Tønseth, Ivar Nørve, Hilde Lyrån, Cecilie Skog, Tone Johnsen, Sigrun Enge

Just like their peers in Scandinavia, and also in other European countries such as Germany, many Dutch toddlers are now running away with the cheerful friends Casper and Emma. In the early 1990s, the first book with Karsten and Petra (as they are called in their native Norway) in the lead roles was published, written by the Norwegian writing duo Tor Åge Bringsværd and Anne G. Holt. In Norway and Denmark alone, the books sold more than one and a half million copies. A television series and a series of films followed, which are also particularly appreciated in the Netherlands by the young target group (and their parents). The adventures that Casper and Emma experience are recognizable and what is perhaps even more interesting: heavier themes such as divorce, illness and death are also addressed, in a way that is understandable for children. The success of the series has unleashed a true franchise, as the films follow each other in rapid succession. After ‘Casper en Emma – Best friends’ (2013), ‘Casper and Emma – On winter sports’, ‘Casper and Emma – Merry Christmas’ (both 2014) and Casper and Emma – On safari’ (2015) there is now ‘Casper and Emma – Into the mountains’ (2017) and the next two parts have already been put into production.

For Dutch children it is a little less obvious than for Norwegian peers, to take mountain walks at a young age. Nevertheless, they will have no trouble empathizing with this new adventure of Casper and Emma. The holidays are approaching and Casper’s family (Oliver Dahl took over from Elias Søvold-Simonsen) plans to take a hike through the mountains. Emma (Alba Ørbech-Nilssen replaces Nora Amundsen) and her mother Maria (Janne Formoe) join them. In order to prepare well, the children receive useful tips from experienced walkers at school. Wise lessons that they should pay attention to. Of course the cuddly toys of the children – Welpje and Mrs. Rabbit – also go into the mountains. Casper’s father (Markus Tønseth) was away for work for a while, and now that he is back he feels how nice it is to have a father, a mother (Hilde Lyrån) and a sister (Tone Johnsen). He also wishes Emma that, but her father passed away a few years ago. When they meet Aksel (Jeppe Beck Laursen), their guide and coincidentally also an old friend of his father’s, at the start of their hike, he gets a great plan. What if Emma’s mother and Aksel fall in love? Then she has a perfect family too! However, his good intentions do not turn out the way he would like.

Light and sweet, but also naive and simple – it can all be applied to this film. This fifth part has very little in the way of story. Certain topics are touched upon. The loss of a father is of course the most difficult subject, but the hugs (which come to life) speculate about the moment that they have become redundant and through Casper’s dreamy teenage sister the young spectators are introduced to the phenomenon of ‘romance’. However, none of those themes is fully developed. Perhaps it should not be too complicated for the young target group (children aged about four to eight years), but in this way there is little more than a cheerful picture report of a family outing through, and that must absolutely be said, the really beautiful Norwegian landscape. As we are used to from Casper and Emma films, there are also some pleasant to listen to songs. The children who go to the cinema full of expectation will probably be disappointed that the plot is very thin; they have long been happy to see old acquaintances again. Although played by other acting talents, it is no less familiar to them.