Shoebox Zoo

2004
Shoebox Zoo

Seasons & Episodes

  • 2
  • 1

EP1 Across The Great Ocean Oct 16, 2005

Marnie, with the Shoebox Zoo in tow, flies to Denver for the summer in order to search for The Book of Forbidden Knowledge. After being picked up by her grandparents, she meets up with her best friend Kyle Stone and plans to show the shoebox animals to him. However, a mysterious figure has stolen the bag in which they were contained, on top of seemingly following her around wherever she goes.

EP2 The Balance Of Power Oct 23, 2005

Kyle finds Marnie’s bag on his way to visit her for breakfast. With the proper bag now on hand, Marnie introduces Kyle to the shoebox animals and tells him about the Quest. Later, they’re taken a TV studio where they meet Aurora Dexter, a medium who aspires to become a TV star.

EP3 Snakes Alive Oct 23, 2005

After settling in a hideaway that’s owned by the Campbells, Marnie and Kyle go to investigate the first clue, a snake rune, at the nearby Snake Creek Trail. After an argument causes the two to split up, Marnie has an encounter with the ghost of Toledo, the shapeshifter.

EP4 The Pow Wow Oct 30, 2005

Marnie and Kyle go to a Native American festival called “The Pow Wow”. While there, Marnie comes face to face with the mysterious figure who’s been following her around since she arrived back in Denver.

EP5 Hunter To The Rescue Oct 30, 2005

Marnie and Kyle go bike riding in the woods in order to investigate the next clue, a bear claw rune, but things go awry when the shoebox animals fall out of Marnie’s backpack and are spotted by a wild bear. Meanwhile, Toledo puts his plan to bring about the second prophecy into motion.

EP6 Coming Of Age Nov 06, 2005

It’s Kyle’s 12th birthday, and so Marnie attends his birthday party. Toledo, now possessing Aurora’s body, spies on Marnie at the party and encourages her to find the book, attempting to allure her with the prospect of unlimited power.

EP7 Wild Horses Nov 06, 2005

Marnie and Kyle go to watch a rodeo. While there, Kyle confides in Marnie regarding his self-doubts as well as his reluctance to keep going with the quest, which leads to an argument between the two.

EP8 Bumps In The Night Nov 13, 2005

Marnie goes to Camp Healing Bow along with Kyle and some of her former classmates. Following their arrival, they partake in several fun activities, but Marnie suddenly starts exhibiting hostility towards everyone around her and no one seems to know why.

EP9 The Eagle Has Landed Nov 13, 2005

The stay at Camp Healing Bow continues. Marnie’s odd behavior seems to worsen, which puts a strain on her friendship with Kyle. Despite this, the two agree to investigate the next clue, an eagle rune, together. Meanwhile, Marnie’s father arrives in Denver to visit her, but things take an unexpected turn when Aurora picks him up at the airport.

EP10 The Arrow of Truth Nov 20, 2005

It’s the last day of camp, and Marnie’s father comes to visit her. However, happiness quickly turns to anger when Marnie sees that he’s brought Aurora along with him, and that they’ve seemingly fallen in love with one another.

EP11 The Cry Of The Wolf Nov 20, 2005

The Quest’s conclusion draws near, with only one clue remaining unsolved, the wolf rune. Marnie, now fully consumed by her anguish and grief as a result of the book’s corruption, is desperate to take the book so she could revive her deceased mother, and uses any means necessary in order to reach it.

EP12 The Falls Of Faith Nov 27, 2005

All hope seems lost as the book has fallen into Toledo’s hands. However, upon receiving some encouraging words from a fallen ally, Marnie comes to the realization that the book must be destroyed in order to save the world, and so she ties up some loose ends in preparation for the impending final battle.

EP13 Beyond The Beyond Nov 27, 2005

Marnie, Kyle and the Shoebox Zoo all band together in order to put an end to the Dawn Queen’s evil plans once and for all. Can they truly destroy the book before it plunges the world into chaos? And what will become of the shoebox animals if they succeed?
6.7| 0h30m| TV-PG| en| More Info
Released: 21 September 2004 Ended
Producted By: BBC Scotland
Country: United Kingdom
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/shoeboxzoo/
Synopsis

Shoebox Zoo is an urban fantasy TV series made in a collaboration between BBC Scotland and various Canadian television companies. It is mostly live-action, but with CGI used for the animal figurines. The show centers on the story of a young girl named Marnie McBride, who is given a shoebox containing four toy animals by a mysterious old man at a junk shop, as a gift for her 11th birthday. These magical toys have the power to come alive on Marnie’s command, and they’re on a quest to find an ancient book that once belonged to a great and powerful wizard.

... View More
Stream Online

The movie is currently not available onine

Director

Producted By

BBC Scotland

Trailers & Images

Reviews

jessink Shoebox Zoo is a refreshing show for the BBC, and duly, it makes pleasant family viewing. Children will love the animals in the Shoebox Zoo which the voices are brilliantly cast: (Rik Mayall, Siobhan Redmond, Simon Callow and Alan Cumming) – Rik Mayall being a personal favourite as the pompous, overbearing eagle. These characters breath life (excuse the pun if you've watched the episodes) into a somewhat … slow … series.The reason why it's so slow, is that the idea of the story is better suited as a darker drama, like in the same mould of Robin Hood (2006) I couldn't relate to the seriousness of the Book (despite Michael Scot's brief description in one episode) – but that's it. Only at the end do we find out its true contents: the secrets of life and death. This is obvious. And at the time, I was Douglas' age when I watched it.Speaking of which, I don't think Vivien was that bad at acting her role. The majority disagree, claiming she has tantrums, acts like a spoilt brat and is saved all the time by the Wizard. The sad scenes seemed sincere but I passionately disliked her overblown stubbornness toward the Quest and to Michael Scot. Peter Mullan did well in his role - perhaps too well for a family series (like I said earlier, it would be much better suited as a darker drama) but something was missing between his and Vivien's scenes.Vivien, I believe should have been a bit broader with her emotions – where was the silent confusion? The disbelief? All upset and seriousness came out in angry blasts! Tone it down a notch Douglas! You appear more sympathetic that way. Less is more.Little-known actor, Tony Donaldson plays the villain (Toledo) rather well. Though, his performance would have been ten-times better if he'd been more ruthless. I don't relate to any villain who calls his pets (Los Contrarios for instance) "Dainties" "Darlings" or his "Pups"- that made me laugh; it was so out of character. But I point my finger of blame to the script writers. Nevertheless, I loved his drawling voice and his performance overall.And lastly and by no means least, David McKay was great as McTaggert. I loved the buffoon and he said some great lines: "Now eat your greens" to a subdued, wallowing Michael Scot and referring to Toledo with titles such as "your Blissful Harmony." :) In general the whole thing was good but just too slow – I know the production had a budget so the effects weren't going to be Hollywood, but the story lacked heart. The school scenes were superfluous and apart from the awful actors that played the school bullies, I give credit to the actor playing John Roberts. The boy has talent! I give Shoebox Zoo 7/10 ~ Jess
jazziejo12 shoebox zoo is brilliant. who ever said that Vivian Endicott Douglas was a bad rotten actress, you are very wrong she is the best actress i have ever seen. well in programmes anyway. you should be ashamed of your self writing that. that gutted me reading that. if you really think she is that bad ( WHICH SHE IS NOT ) she is only 13 years old trying to play a girl who lost her mother, talking to toys. which are real according to Marnie but in real life we all no that there not. i just want to say to you what planet are you from? and yes I'm talking to the person who wrote that stupid paragraph about her being a bad actress!!!
Growlyted Shoebox Zoo is an enjoyable, yet flawed fantasy series. The enchanted creatures are the stealers, thanks to the talented vocal cast & the animators. The villain, Toledo, provides menace & humour in equal measure. However Marnie is a hateful protagonist, throwing tantrums at the slightest provocation & often mistreating the "Zoo." She is impossible to sympathise with. I also dislike Michael Scott, who also abuses the animals. I thought John Roberts, arrogant & mysterious, was the best of the children involved. The episodes are at their best when the creatures are on screen. The school scenes (excepting those with John Roberts) only bog down the story. The narration is irritating and unnecessary. There are some parts that are predictable for older viewers, but also some genuine surprises. I was disappointed by the ending though. However I will definitely be watching Season Two, if only for the delight of seeing & hearing the fantastic, animated ensemble.
DaibhidC I can't disagree with any of the comments I've seen describing the series as disappointing (Well, maybe one, saying the animals weren't convincing. They seemed like pretty convincing wooden figures to me.) The series is entertaining, but gives every impression that it could have been amazing.The voice cast is a joy. The script flags occasionally, but sparkles at least as often. The real Edinburgh and Midlothian locations are fantastic, as is the use of genuine legend. This could have been the next generation's Box of Delights, or Dark Season.So why, apart from the irritation of Marnie herself, does it seem so average? Maybe it's the length of the episodes; they just seem to be going somewhere when they stop. A 45 minute format might help... or might just lead to more irrelevant bits.I'll certainly be watching the second series, but I don't expect to be amazed. Especially since, judging from the ending, we're losing those lovely Edinburgh locations...