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 BROTHER BEAR
Rated G. 85
Minutes. Joaquin Phoenix, Jeremy Suarez, Dave Thomas, Rick Moranis,
Michael Clarke Duncan. 2003.
When selfish young
Eskimo hunter Kenai (Joaquin Phoenix) dies while killing the bear that
killed his brother, he’s transformed by the Great Spirits into a bear
himself – much to his chagrin.
To regain his human
form, he must find the place where “the lights of the sky touch the
earth.” Along the way, Kenai picks up chatterbox bear cub Koda (Jeremy
Suarez) and a pair of bickering moose (Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis).
Walking in another’s footsteps, Kenai learns some valuable life lessons
about cooperation, courage, and companionship.
The relationship
between Kenai and Koda reminds me of other cartoon “road” movies like
"Ice Age" and "Shrek". Like those, the odd-couple pairing in "Brother
Bear" is funny, fueled by the terrific voices of Moranis, Thomas and
Michael Clarke Duncan as Tug, a jovial bear who welcomes fellow bears at
the annual salmon run.
A
reverence for nature and Native American myth and a surprising
sophistication transform this into a better-than-expected film. My
6-year-old loved the wilderness landscape -- billowing clouds,
spectacular waterfalls, drifting snow, volcanic mud pots, and brilliant
hues of the Northern Lights.
Although younger
children might be saddened by the message of death -- animals and people
can and do die – lots of talking critters and tunes by Phil Collins keep
things lively.
Yeah, it’s the same
old Disney patter -- a headstrong kid with abandonment issues, quirky
and amusing sidekicks, heart-tugging pop tunes, the true meaning of life
and love – but this film smoothly blends drama and comedy, while
celebrating nature and the spirit world.
THE WRAP-UP:
A solid family film
wonderfully free of the crude humor so prevalent in most cartoon movies
these days.
SCORE: 3 out of
4 Reels
DVD EXTRAS:
“Paths of Discovery: The Making of Brother Bear”; deleted scenes;
animated “outtakes”; two games; humorous “commentary track” by the
moose; all-new tune, “Fishing Song,” by Phil Collins; music video, “Look
Through My Eyes,” featuring Phil Collins.
TRIVIA: Keep
watching through the end credits. You’ll see Kenai drawing a crude stick
figure on a rock, while little Koda finishes up an Impressionist
painting identical to “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande
Jatte,” painted by Georges Seurat in 1886.
JANE'S REEL
RATING SYSTEM:
One Reel – Pathetic.
Even The Force can’t save it.
Two Reels –
Tolerable. Coulda been a contender.
Three Reels –
Pleasant. Something to talk about.
Four Reels – Wow! The
stuff dreams are made of.
E-chat with me
at
jane@reellifewithjane.com - I
LOVE to talk about movies! For more about me, check out my writer’s Web
site,
www.janeboursaw.com.
 Read my other reviews
here.
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