Brother Bear Details

Following the commercial disappointment of the futuristic Treasure Planet, Disney goes back to nature for this latest animated romp. A worthy attempt to recapture the glory days of The Lion King, the film is an old-fashioned morality tale with solid messages of love, trust and loyalty. Only here, the Simba figure fulfilling his destiny is a flighty young native American man, Kenai, who learns his life lessons the hard way after the Great Spirits turn him into a bear. It's a movie with considerable charm, beautifully animated, with that cuddly, soft-edged look that makes even the fiercest of wildlife appealing. Though some of the scenes seem reminiscent of Ice Age, the storyline is strong and packed with excitement and adventure. The characters too are well developed, helped by excellent voice talent including Joaquin Phoenix and Michael Clarke Duncan. Their depth adds extra impact to the humour and pathos of the plot, while Phil Collins's uncharacteristically restrained songs further emphasise the comedy and emotion. Small children may find the feature scary at times, but overall it's fine family fare.

Lacklustre animated movie that may amuse the very young but otherwise recycles overworked notions; it suggests that Disney is a studio that has lost its nerve.