Experienced Tinker Bell watchers should be able to predict roughly where the story is headed; still, by the standards of the series the ending is unusually contemplative, even sombre.

It's expertly crafted for very young kids, and the snappy length (67 minutes!) makes it a useful option for parents seeking a U-certificate family diversion over the holidays.

For the elementary schoolgirls who make up the target audience, "Legend of the Neverbeast" is a welcome visit with their favorite characters, even though Tink herself (Mae Whitman) is reduced to a supporting role.

[A] really sweet little movie.