I loved Brother Bear! Critically, I can see that...it has some flaws (as compared to Finding Nemo). But, frankly, I don't care. Artistically, emotionally, I like it better than Finding Nemo. I hope it wins the Oscar for Best Song. (I would hope it wins Animated Feature, but it can't overtake Nemo there, I'm afraid.)
(I hear they're pushing Tina and "Great Spirits," which is probably a smart move; I liked Phil's songs more, but he won just a few years back; Tina's a bigger name, in comparison, and she seems nice, and I'd like to see her have a chance at winning.)
Disney's For Your Consideration site is at this link...and shows what they're submitting Brother Bear (and Finding Nemo) for. Brother Bear, realistically, only has a shot at Song and Animated Feature. I really hope it gets nominated for both. It deserves it.
http://studioawards.movies.go.com/main_flash.html
Anyway, back to the topic...with SOME SPOILERS, so if you haven't seen it and don't want to know certain points, avoid!
I saw it last Saturday, opening day, and then again on Sunday. By myself, as I see most films, so I'm used to it. The first time...there were at least twenty odd people there (but our team had a football game that day, so...and the theater I go too is really nice, has 9 screens, but is never really packed; at least not when I go...).
But my thoughts: The dynamics between the various brothers (the moose, Kenai and Koda, and Kenai, Denahi, and Sitka) were so well-portrayed. This movie felt more dramatic than many of Disney's recent efforts (Treasure Planet, Lilo, The Emperor's New Groove). The action scenes, hunting the bear...the glacier bit, the lava flow, Kenai grabbing Koda and bolting for the trunk across the trench...the action felt very exciting, dramatic.
The change in aspect ratios was a very interesting choice...and a good one. When Kenai awakes and the view is wider and richer and brighter, it's just a glorious moment.
The second time I saw it, it got even better for me. The first time, after having seen a lot of negative reviews, I let myself think that the story wasn't entirely up to par...but, seeing it again, I decided I don't care what the critics think. The story's fine. It's earnest, genuine...emotional. Just because it isn't layered with zingers every five seconds, or rapid back and forth conversations, doesn't mean it's bad. I don't see what's wrong with having a simple, traditional story. Why does it have to push the edge?
The animation, the backgrounds...of the Pacific Northwest, were lovely. Shots of the killer whales in the water under their boats, panoramic views of the trees, the mountains, the snow, glaciers...and the On My Way montage was a high point in the film. I was smiling the whole time. It was so happy and upbeat, made you so glad...the music and the animation. The montage at the salmon run was good, too, the bit where he's underwater and looks around. Such a sense of discovery...
Kenai was an engaging lead, especially after he was transformed (which was, I guess, the point; that he had to be physically changed, to see things differently, before he could emotionally change and grow). And his interactions with Koda were a joy...the whole time. It pained me to see him tell Koda the truth...and he did so without delay. He thought about it and told him. It was refreshing to see that, because in a normal situation, one would almost expect him to hide the information until the guilt ate him away...but he confessed rather quickly, asking for forgiveness. And Koda gives it to him.
The moose were a nice comic duo, providing light moments (the I Spy bit, "I love dew." LOL), yet not overwhelming Kenai (and Koda, who was delightful in his youth and optimism), or the plot points. Well-done there. But I agree that 2D animation can capture, render things...that CG just can't do yet, and maybe never can. The natural, organic movements of the bears, the impressionistic feel of the backgrounds, the scenery.
Another great scene: when they stumble upon the drawings in the cave, how the view tilts and pans overhead, and the music. Very haunting, in some ways...and ending with Koda mentioning the monsters. And, when Kenai approaches the wall of the cave, half of his face is in light, half is in dark. Very good effect...
I liked Phil's songs, all of them, as well as Tina's. The voice work was good (especially Joaquin Phoenix as Kenai and Jeremy Suarez as Koda). And I thought the ending was so warm and perfect.
I hope Disney sticks with 2D, greenlights another project soon...because I'm going to miss it so much. Brother Bear was a genuine, dramatic film with good messages and lovely animation (the main bears, the scenery, all of it). Some exciting action, some heart-breaking (and warming) emotion, and an interesting take on seeing through another's eyes. I've always liked transformation tales. And this is no exception.
I have to disagree with the critics here. This is my favorite film of the year. My favorite Disney is still Lilo & Stitch (another Orlando offering), as well as The Rescuers Down Under and a few others, but despite any flaws it might have, this film is already dear to me. I wish it luck at the box office and the Oscars, and can't wait for the DVD!
(I already have my plush Koda, as well as the soundtrack...and the Art Of book, which gives very good insight into the creative process, developing the story.)
I appreciate this effort by Disney, though. And I hope it (along with next spring's Home on the Range) can be successful enough to warrant the continued future of traditional animation with the company. 2D and 3D need each other. Room should be given for both. But traditional animation should not be forced into hibernation. It offers sights and emotions you can't capture any other way...
So true! And I can be pretty corny and emotional...I often get teary during movies. But this one didn't move me.... it was too schmaltzy, even for me!
Actually, I was reminded of my favourite Disney film 'Lilo and Stitch' when watching this, and not simply because of the 2D-method. Some of the character designs, especially the human ones, struck me as very Lilo-ish. In other words, I think the visual element was a very strong one in this film. 
Well done, Disney...
