The Scottish Highlands setting is beautifully rendered. The misty moors, ancient castles, and moonlit graveyards create a cozy-gothic mood perfect for a family film. The animation isn’t Pixar-level, but the color palette — deep purples, cool blues, and warm candlelight — gives it a distinctive, storybook feel.
Rudolph’s family — especially his overprotective parents — gets minimal screen time. A subplot about an ancient vampire prophecy is introduced and resolved in ten minutes. The film tries to juggle friendship, family drama, and action, but none feel fully realized. the little vampire 2017
The English dub (featuring Rasmus Hardiker as Tony and Amy Saville as Rudolph) is serviceable but lacks emotional range. The German original cast (by Universum Film) reportedly delivers a more nuanced performance. Also, some supporting characters have distractingly exaggerated accents. Comparison to the 2000 Live-Action Film Many fans prefer the 2000 film (with Jonathan Lipnicki and Rollo Weeks) for its humor, heart, and practical effects. The 2017 version is quieter and more faithful to the books’ melancholy , but it sacrifices energy and memorable set pieces. The live-action film had a sense of wonder; the animated one feels safe and restrained. Final Verdict Rating: 6/10 The Scottish Highlands setting is beautifully rendered
The Little Vampire (2017) is a decent, family-friendly watch that respects its source material but lacks the spark of the best animated features. It’s charming enough for young children (ages 5–9) who are new to the franchise, but older fans of the books or the 2000 film may find it forgettable. If you’re looking for a gentle, low-stakes Halloween movie, it’s fine — just don’t expect the cult charm of the original. The English dub (featuring Rasmus Hardiker as Tony
The vampire hunter, Rookery (voiced by Jim Carter), is a one-note antagonist. His motivations are vague (“I hate vampires”), and his methods (a magical amulet that tracks them) lack creativity. Compared to the 2000 film’s more menacing hunters, he feels like a cardboard cutout.