David

by Mike McGranaghan

David isn’t just a first-rate animated Biblical movie, it’s a first-rate animated movie overall. The story of David and Goliath is among the most captivating in the Bible. This musical telling will make its important message relatable to kids while still providing grand entertainment for audience members of all ages.

Early scenes in the film follow young David (voiced by Brandon Engman), an energetic child shepherd perpetually in search of adventure. He finds some when Samuel (Brian Stivale) shows up and, to everyone’s surprise, anoints him the new King of Israel. This news, should he find out, will not be taken well by King Saul (Adam Michael Gold). When the Philistines threaten Israel, it’s up to David to take on their most fearsome warrior, Goliath (Kamran Nikhad) – a battle in which he’s at a huge disadvantage.

That’s the first half. The second half focuses on an older David (now voiced by Christian singer Phil Wickham) as he fulfills his destiny as the new king amid multiple struggles.

The source material here is clearly solid. David transfers it to the screen with Disney-quality animation. The visuals are detailed and textured, particularly during a beautiful musical number set against a backdrop of colorful tapestries blowing in the wind. Action scenes are similarly pleasurable to look at. The big battle between David and Goliath is rendered dramatically, building suspense at the same time that it imparts how the boy’s use of logic outweighs his opponent’s size.

Songs in the film are catchy and pop-oriented, helping to provide an upbeat vibe. Lyrically, they compliment the themes embedded in the story, but you could also just blast them in your car if you wanted to jam out. In addition to Wickham, popular contemporary Christian artist/former American Idol contestant Lauren Daigle is featured on the soundtrack.

Best of all, David imparts messages about protecting the ones you love and meeting your responsibilities, even when they scare you. The combination of appealing animation, good music, and an occasional hint of humor helps make this a faith-based picture whose appeal could extend well beyond the targeted Christian demographic.

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