DVDizzy Forum

I LOVED THIS MOVIE! after all the waiting it lived up to my expectations and i really dont care what the critics say from now onwards!


I went to the very first showing in my city and it was pretty full about 3 quarters full kostly kids I dont lkike going to thetres with kids (no offence to those who have kids) they just talk alot, but actually they were not as loud but they repeated lines from the movie and surpisingly they were repeating lines form the Home on the Range trailer, that one got a very good response from the audience and surpisingly so did Teahcers Pet

The movie was amazing! One of the best in my opinion. Rutt and Touke are hilarious and the funniest is the "I Spy" part and the part where the old bear says she can still hear my husbad. I really loved the story of Koda and kenais evolving relationship and I found some parts sad I wanted to cry

The animtion was absolutly beautiful, a very realistic feal to it, im not gionna say its the best animtion beacuse all of the movies have their own equall style which makes its own movie so i really love all the animtaion in movies. The music is wonderfull i wnent out and bought the soundtrack right after i went to the movie. My favorite songs are Welcome and Look Through My Eyes. I LOVED THIS MOVIE

The only part thrat bugged me was the whole aspect ratio thing it helps the film but it really bugged me to see the two lines and the small little picture on such a big screen! o well it worked hopefully it will lokk better on DVD.

Well in Final I say go see this movie if you havnet or go see it again, hell im going again tomorrow after i pick up Finding Nemo. the movie maybe an "old formaula and predictble" to some but it wasnt to me sure it may have some old concepts but it works so dodnt think about all that stuff when your watching it, just imagine yourself in the movie and realx and watch this beautiful art piece.

Choco Bears BIG Paw of Approval

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...

Paka wrote:This truly is a hodge-podge of previous films, Disney or not. It felt like some weird hybrid of Ice Age and The Bear, with elements of Spirit and The Lion King.

I have to agree...I had the same impression from the trailers for Brother Bear, but I know trailers can be misleading so I wanted to give it a chance anyway. But I couldn't help seeing similarities to other movies throughout - especially Ice Age and The Lion King. And the transformation sequence reminded me of The Little Mermaid. These things distracted me and I just couldn't get lost in the story.

Paka wrote:And I'm sorry, but the emotional scenes were so schmaltzy, that there seemed to be a marquee proclaiming "CRY NOW!!" scrolling on the bottom of the screen.

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!

I don't think that Disney will change their minds about abandoning traditionally hand-drawn animation...no matter how successful Brother Bear turns out to be. According to Roger Ebert's review, Variety reports that Disney's giving up 2D animation and sticking to 3D from now on. It sounds pretty definite. But I'd love to be wrong. As Ebert says, each format has it's strengths and weaknesses...neither one is better than the other. Too bad the Disney head honchos can't see that.

I'm very confident that cel animation is only "on hiatus" right now. It will definitely come back - it's just a matter of time, is all.

Personally, I can't wait to see Disney's "fool-proof" CG films perform poorly at the box office - and watch the execs fall flat on their faces!
Unfortunately, these monkeys that run Disney need to find things out the hard way - as in, they need to touch that iron about three times before they realize it's hot.

I just got home from the movie theater and I have to say I really liked this movie! It was soo cute! Such a touching story! The animation was done really well and most of the songs were great too. I am already looking foward to a dvd!

Seriously, GREAT review Squirrel.
However, you went over the "montage" usage limit, so I'm afraid I'll have to deduct 22 points.

You must be made an example for the rest of us.

I finally have the chance to see this film today.
I left it with a little mixed feeling.
I like the beginning (most of you seems to not do that!), in fact I like the part where there it´s concentrating on the humans, more than when it´s cute bears around!) .
But the colors and wide screen after the transformation scene is fantastic in it´s own ways.
Sorry to say, but the story is too thin, according to my taste.
The music is OK but the songs are NOT AT ALL good. I´m so tired of this stuff when they must invite a fameous pop- or rock-singer to do the songs. ENOUGH of that stuff now. I want the characters to sing like in the old days, not some off screen alien voice that seems to be the choise for so many features during the last ten years.
The film is in general very good and the animation is suberb, but it´s certainly not one of my favorites, among the classics.

Brother Bear brought in another twelve million dollars this week, beating out LT: Back in Action. Brother Bear does seem to have decent staying power, yet the news article doesn't even mention Brother Bear (you have to see the list at the bottom to even know it is still around).

Well, this finally came out in Australia this week (Boxing Day, the 26th), and not having tickets to Return of the King (going on New Year's Eve), I went along to see it...

...and was pleasantly surprised.

Some of you may have noticed that I was (perhaps unfairly) running down BB before it came out - this was due largely to what I felt was a poor marketing strategy. The initial trailer made it seem like a wishy-washy "touch your heart and stuff is good" film. To some extent, this was true but I think it has more to offer than the trailer (and most initial reviews from people who 'know') would lead the casual observer to believe.

The first thing that struck me was the beauty of the film. Escpaially when it pushes out into 'scope. It is amazing that a movie which is "just" paint and ink can look as beautiful as this film did. 'Nemo' had beauty too, but in a different way. To say those backdrops were stunning would be an understatement. I thought they were magnificent. Anyways, I'm gushing.... 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.

I'm not a huge fan of "Disney songs", nor am I a fan of Phil Collins and this film didn't do anything to change my mind. Having said that, the use of the songs was not annoying or distracting, but I still question as to whether they were needed. At times they seemed a little "tacked on", and I think the story would have been just as strong (if not stronger?) without them.

The story does seem to start out a little Lion King-ish, but I think soon departs from that and holds it own. I think I was more interested in the "human" story than the animal one though. The human characters were well defined in those first 20 minutes or so, and I was intrigued by them. I know the point of the story was about 'a boy who became a man by becoming a bear', and it worked in this case, but recent years have proven that Disney can make good "human" stories (Lilo and Stitch, Atlantis) without having talking animals (but they are fun too). It will be interesting to see what direction Disney takes after 'Home on the Range' (cows are the excepction to every rule. We need more cow movies. Now).

And more importantly, it passed the ultimate test. My girlfriend "couldn't see why people disliked it". So there you have it. Thumbs up all 'round Well done, Disney...

Loomis wrote:Well, this finally came out in Australia this week (Boxing Day, the 26th), and not having tickets to Return of the King (going on New Year's Eve), I went along to see it...

...and was pleasantly surprised.

I'm glad You finally saw it and liked it.

Loomis wrote:Some of you may have noticed that I was (perhaps unfairly) running down BB before it came out - this was due largely to what I felt was a poor marketing strategy. The initial trailer made it seem like a wishy-washy "touch your heart and stuff is good" film. To some extent, this was true but I think it has more to offer than the trailer (and most initial reviews from people who 'know') would lead the casual observer to believe.

I feel/felt the exact same way.

Loomis wrote:The first thing that struck me was the beauty of the film. Escpaially when it pushes out into 'scope. It is amazing that a movie which is "just" paint and ink can look as beautiful as this film did. 'Nemo' had beauty too, but in a different way. To say those backdrops were stunning would be an understatement. I thought they were magnificent. Anyways, I'm gushing.... 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.

I thought the exact same thing. It's because the characters were rounder, like in Lilo and unlike most other disney films of late...

Loomis wrote:I'm not a huge fan of "Disney songs", nor am I a fan of Phil Collins and this film didn't do anything to change my mind. Having said that, the use of the songs was not annoying or distracting, but I still question as to whether they were needed. At times they seemed a little "tacked on", and I think the story would have been just as strong (if not stronger?) without them.

Well, I for one, love disney songs, but I do agree with you that many were not needed for the film, but they were ok, However, I loved the Great Spirits song, cause it just gave the movie such an energy, and the song that is sung while Kenai is telling Koda about what he did, seems neccessary, anyway, it's just a great film, and the second time I saw it, I liked the music a lot more, I guess the songs kinda grow on you, but I still think Phil did better with Tarzan, but Tarzan was a completely different movie, so what I should say is that I preferred the Tarzan soundtrack...

Ok, I'll stop talking now...

I'm glad you both liked the movie, but maybe this shows that perhaps you should see a movie before condeming it!




(especially when fellow UltimateDisney.com members have assured you that it is good!)

Maerj wrote:I'm glad you both liked the movie, but maybe this shows that perhaps you should see a movie before condeming it!

(especially when fellow UltimateDisney.com members have assured you that it is good!)

I'll never show a lack of trust towards a UD.com member again, or be faced with punishment by flogging. And that weird American orange cheese in a can.

OK, I've already eaten my humble pie And I ordered the DVD via the UD.com store, so I hope this makes up for it

And I'd like to say this applies to sequel haters as well - you should see a movie before condeming it!

Loomis - #1 Advocate for John Carpenter's Los Muertos: Saludos Amigos 2

I didn't get to see it . I will just buy it when it comes out.

Loomis wrote:

Maerj wrote:I'm glad you both liked the movie, but maybe this shows that perhaps you should see a movie before condeming it!

(especially when fellow UltimateDisney.com members have assured you that it is good!)

I'll never show a lack of trust towards a UD.com member again, or be faced with punishment by flogging. And that weird American orange cheese in a can.

Glad that you enjoyed the movie, but you must admit that you and Phillip were brutally beating the movie, worse than some people beat up on the cheapquels!

You don't have spray cheese? Tsk tsk!

Loomis wrote: Loomis - #1 Advocate for John Carpenter's Los Muertos

Are you being serious? Is this movie really good?

Maerj wrote:

Loomis wrote: Loomis - #1 Advocate for John Carpenter's Los Muertos

Are you being serious? Is this movie really good?

The rest of that sentence said John Carpenter's Los Muertos : Saludos Amigos 2....so yeah, I WAS joking

But, I did like Vampires!

And the cheese spraying will stop when the hurting does...

I enjoyed Brother Bear. Not one of my all-time favorites, but I think it's the best film to come from Feature Animation since "The Emperor's New Groove."

Loomis wrote:

Maerj wrote: Are you being serious? Is this movie really good?

The rest of that sentence said John Carpenter's Los Muertos : Saludos Amigos 2....so yeah, I WAS joking

But, I did like Vampires!

And the cheese spraying will stop when the hurting does...

Yeah, I know it had the Saludos Amigos at the end, but I thought that it may have been one of those serious and joking things. I loved the first 'Vampires' movie, so I guess I was hoping that the sequel may have been good as well.

If you guys have no spray cheese, maybe we can ship some over? Oh, you can pick up some cans of it when you visit Disneyland this year!

I was very dissapointed with this film. First the animation of the human characters were horrible! The storyline was okay but you could tell that Kinai had killed Koda's mother before the movie says it. The music left horrible songs in my head for days. One good thing were the moose, but you can't even tell them apart. This movie is leading to another dark age for disney. Atlantis(even though I like it a lot) and Lilo and Stitch were not the best movies. Treasure Planet was horrible. Now Brother Bear. Coming Soon will be Home on the Range wich has cnimation that looks like animation from nauseating cartoons from cartoonetwork.[/b]

castleinthesky wrote:I was very dissapointed with this film. First the animation of the human characters were horrible! The storyline was okay but you could tell that Kinai had killed Koda's mother before the movie says it. The music left horrible songs in my head for days. One good thing were the moose, but you can't even tell them apart. This movie is leading to another dark age for disney. Atlantis(even though I like it a lot) and were not the best movies. Treasure Planet was horrible. Now Brother Bear. Coming Soon will be Home on the Range wich has cnimation that looks like animation from nauseating cartoons from cartoonetwork.[/b]

Well don't worry, there are no plans to make anymore 2d animated films from Disney, at least at the moment.

castleinthesky wrote:This movie is leading to another dark age for disney. Atlantis(even though I like it a lot) and were not the best movies. Treasure Planet was horrible. Now Brother Bear. Coming Soon will be Home on the Range wich has cnimation that looks like animation from nauseating cartoons from cartoonetwork.[/b]

-cringe-

Treasure Planet ? Brother Bear? Horrible?????

Anyway, glad you finally got to see BB, Loomis. I was not holding onto high expectations going into my viewing and was also pleasantly surprised...maybe that helped your perspective, too, And couldn't agree more about the backdrops. This was, visually, an outstanding effort.