KikoRiki: Through the Universes (2026)

KikoRiki: Through the Universes Review: A Familiar Cosmic Romp

KikoRiki: Through the Universes arrives as the latest theatrical outing for the beloved Russian franchise, sending Krosh and Hedgehog from Chamomile Valley into a Mars-bound spaceship simulation that turns out to be alarmingly real. Director Andrey Marmontov, working from a script by Sergey Lukyanenko, leans heavily into the series’ established charm: bright colors, slapstick physics, and a gentle moral core. The 85-minute runtime keeps things brisk, but the film rarely escapes the gravitational pull of its own formula.

Direction and Visual Style

Marmontov’s direction is competent but cautious. The transition from valley pastoral to sleek starship interiors is handled with a pleasing visual contrast — rounded, soft-edged character designs against angular, neon-lit corridors. However, the animation, while polished, lacks the textural ambition of recent global competitors. Backgrounds often feel static, and action sequences rely on repetitive gag structures rather than inventive choreography. The 6+ certification is reflected in the gentle stakes; even the “not a game” revelation is softened by immediate comic relief.

Performances and Voice Work

The returning Russian voice cast — Lyudmila Artemeva, Ivan Agapov, Aleksandr Lykov, Yan Tsapnik, Nikolai Dobrynin — slides comfortably back into their roles. Dmitrii Kalikhov, Sergey Fedorov, and Antonina Boyko as the Divov family add a new generational layer, though their arcs are thin. Timofey Kochnev’s Roman Zolotnikov provides a serviceable antagonist, but the script never gives him enough menace or nuance. For international audiences, dub quality will be the decisive factor; the original Russian track carries a warmth that may not survive localization.

Story and Who Will Enjoy It

The premise — kids discovering their VR adventure is an actual mission — is a tried-and-true trope (think Zathura meets Spy Kids), and Lukyanenko’s script doesn’t subvert it. Themes of responsibility, teamwork, and environmental stewardship are delivered with the subtlety of a meteor strike. Younger viewers (roughly 5–9) will likely delight in the familiar characters and low-stakes peril. Older kids and adults may find the humor repetitive and the emotional beats predictable. The film’s strongest asset remains the KikoRiki ensemble’s chemistry, which feels earned after years of shorts and series.