Swapped

You just know that Swapped is going to funnel toward an obligatory high-stakes showdown with a diminutive hero risking his life to save the day.

However, the underlying charms come more from the quieter moments of reflection and self-discovery than the slapstick antics in this cute and colorful animated adventure, a coming-of-age saga that strikes a balance between chaotic and endearing.

The richly detailed visuals immerse us in a vibrant if somewhat nondescript woodland landscape, with lush forests and pristine waters and anthropomorphic residents of all shapes and sizes.

Little does Ollie (voiced by Michael B. Jordan), a small fictional rodent-like critter known as a pookoo, know that his idyllic valley home is a target for destruction, and that he’ll wind up right in the middle of it.

The big-hearted if bumbling Ollie is an impressionable and mischievous youngster living with his protective parents (Cedric the Entertainer and Justina Machado), who caution him against trusting other species.

That doesn’t stop him from befriending a small flock of kakapo-like birds, crashing into a magical plant, and opening a portal to switch bodies with an avian adversary named Ivy (Juno Temple).

Hijinks ensue, of course, from mistaken identities to adapting on the fly. While they try to find a mutual solution, there’s a much bigger problem involving the vengeful Fire Wolf (Tracy Morgan), whose evil plan prompts Ollie and Ivy to set aside their difference for the common good.

Children should identify with Ollie’s ambitious curiosity and sense of wonder, and perhaps they’ll appreciate the easily digestible lessons about teamwork, acceptance, and courage.

As directed by Nathan Greno (Tangled), the film features some innovative creature designs, including some animal-plant hybrids.

At least the pace remains lively in the otherwise predictable screenplay, which generates occasional big laughs from its bickering, along with an easy rooting interest.

However, some elements of the mythology feel arbitrary, which leads to the story becoming more convoluted than necessary. The transition is awkward from body-swap comedy to darker survival tale. And the villain isn’t supplied with much of a motive for his Machiavellian actions outside of just being mad at the world.

Innocuous yet insubstantial, Swapped stumbles down the stretch, although it’s humorous and heartwarming enough to engage the target demographic and some adults outside of it.

Rated PG, 98 minutes.