Disney hasn't made a movie like this since "Black Cauldron" 16 years ago, and I'm glad they finally decided to do it again. Sure there are a lot of plot holes. But the voice cast, especially Michael J. Fox, is right on the money, as it always is in Disney films. James Newton Howard, whose score for "Dinosaur" was one of the best things about that film, turns in another winner here, although I wish the mixers had turned it up a notch--it's a bit hard to hear in some places. Visually, this movie is a knockout. This is only the fourth traditionally animated film Disney has shot in the widescreen format. (The other three are Lady and the Tramp, Sleeping Beauty, and Black Cauldron. A Bug's Life was also shot widescreen, but that was CGI.) The expanded 2.35:1 aspect ratio greatly enhances the visual effects and Mike Mignola's character designs.
So basically, it's not groundbreaking cinema, but it's a nice way to spend an afternoon and a nice time at the movies.
So basically, it's not groundbreaking cinema, but it's a nice way to spend an afternoon and a nice time at the movies.