“Brother Bear” (Disney)
“Brother Bear” is the latest animated film from the Disney Studio. It is a gentle, loveable film that won’t make the impression “Finding Nemo” did; but it should draw enough children in to see it that it will make a profit. The main drawback is the lack of “star” actors to do the voices. The big plus is the gentle nature of the movie and the satisfying ending.
The movie centers around three brothers who live in the wilderness. The younger brother, Kenai (Joaquin Phoenix), is trying to win his totem, and when he does he finds he has been given the “bear of love” as his guiding force. This makes him mad and he goes off to impress everyone with his bravery.
This leads to him doing battle with a bear and the conflict ends with the death of his older brother. It also leads to the young Kenai being magically transformed into a bear. Now he must find a way to be re-changed into a human. This can only be done at the mountain where the lights come down.
Kenai starts on his trek and meets up with Koda (Jeremy Suarez), a young cub who has been separated from his mother. Koda says he knows where the mountain Kenai is seeking, is located. They join together to travel in that direction.
The movie comes alive as Kenai and Koda connect. With Phil Collins songs playing in the background the story embraces the brotherly love that develops between them. Kenai learns there is more to life than being the strongest or the most daring; there is also the joy of being the most caring.
The musical score is excellent, as is the animation. Plus there are some really funny parts to the film. Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis are the voices of two moose that Kenai and Koda meet. Their one liners are funny as can be.
The movie is rated G and is appropriate for the entire family. The only drawback is that the deaths of some characters will have to be explained.
This isn’t a great Disney movie but it is a solid one. Kids can get into the story of the bear cub and his adopted brother. Plus the Collins’ songs are sing along good.
“Brother Bear” is more than bear-able, it is fun. After all the horror films that have come along, a film this sweet and gentle is a welcome relief.
I scored “Brother Bear” a furry 6 out of 10.
