“Babar: The Movie” feels like a film in search of an audience. Youngsters who should be the primary viewers may find the rhino-elephant battles too frightening or too repetitive. And once you get past a certain age, you’re too old for this simple narrative of a little elephant king . . .

This 1958 version is deeply affective and flat-out devastating.

It's an addictive cartoon backed by tremendous wit and intelligence. There is nothing deep about it; however, it is a wonderfully entertaining diversion.

It plays out naturally with a visceral feel throughout and asks some tough questions that will make viewers think.