Brother Bear is the latest 2-D animated offering from the good folks over at Walt Disney Pictures. It's the story of the youngest of three brothers, voiced by Gladiator star Joaquin Phoenix, who on the verge of entering full-blown adulthood, is turned into a bear in order to learn the values of bear-like love and respect. In order to become human again, he must find where "the lights touch the Earth" and is joined on his quest by an orphan cub (voice of Bernie Mac Show moppet Jeremy Suarez) and 2 (possibly gay) Moose, using the voice talents of Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas, doing their completely tired and banal McKenzie Brothers routine.
Pretty typical Disney fare, which is not a putdown. The Phil Collins songs are not Menken & John, but they aren't bad. The story is good, the voices excellent (especially Suarez) and it moved at a quick clip to keep the kiddies entertained. Some may find the resolution sappy or mushy, but I'm a sucker for all things family and I'm not ashamed to admit I got a little choked up.
This is the first in a long line of "family" movies that will be coming out once a week until the end of the year. Next week: Elf! Then, Cat in the Hat! Don't forget about Haunted Mansion.
I'm sure I'll be seeing them all, thanks to a certain spoiled 5-year old.
