After the phenomenal success of the computer-animated Finding Nemo, a 2-D animated feature like Brother Bear would seem to be a step backward for Disney. Indeed, if one was to set the former as a sort of benchmark of quality for future animated films, then Brother Bear would prove to be much of a disappointment. However, the latter is more of a throwback to past politically-correct Disney features such as Pocahontas, Tarzan and The Lion King, and thus, its value should be measured by how it has relied on traditional story-telling methods rather than advanced technological wizardry to advance its plot.
The story is simple enough: After he kills a bear in retaliation for the death of his eldest brother, a young hunter, Kenai (voiced by Joaquin Phoenix) is transformed into a bear by the great spirits. To redeem himself, he must search for the place where "the light touches the Earth" and on the way, he befriends an orphaned bear cub named Koda. Unlike other animated features, there are no "bad guys" or "villains" in this film but there is a twist; Kenai-bear ends up being hunted by his other surviving brother, Denahi, who seeks vengeance for the bear-related deaths of his siblings.
Perhaps by stripping the story to such bare essentials, it would mean that Brother Bear has had more time to focus on the unfolding, warm and poignant relationship between Kenai and Koda, which is quite central to the plot. Nevertheless, this cliched older cynic (Kenai) against a younger, effervescent character (Koda) doesnt work as well as expected, perhaps due to the limited genuine interaction between the two. Moreover, the (aggravating) Phil Collins score and show-numbers are too reminiscent of Tarzan and do not really propel the story forward as it should have; instead they seem like vague background descriptions that accompany onscreen scene montages. Its no wonder then I felt abit shortchanged in the end. Thankfully, a couple of feather-brained moose (voices provided by Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas) are on hand as supporting characters, to provide us with the requisite hilarious one-liners.
All these shortcomings aside, the politically correct overtones of Brother Bear and its refreshing simplicity might make it a staple for those aged twelve and below but we older kids will get abit bored pretty quick. ;p my ratings: 3/5 stars~!
