Roar?: APRIL'S (Hopefully) AWESOME ANIMAL PICTURES Presents: BIG BROTHER BEAR + LITTLE BROTHER BEAR!

*These reviews are dedicated to two people, actually. The first would belong to Michael Clarke Duncan, who voiced the character of Tug in both of these films. Despite having a limited amount of voice acting, he gave an intimidating character upon first glance a ton of heart and soul. Which leads me to also dedicating this review to legendary film critic Roger Ebert. One of his philosophies was that people should give themselves an option to see from a different perspective, and I believe that both of these films represent that philosophy quite nicely. That said, R.I.P. to both of them. I wonder what their spirit animals are.*

April 5th, 2013

Roar?



Ironically bear with the rather slow start before our hero transforms into one, and Brother Bear is a beautiful, fun-filled animated film with an enormous amount of emotional AND intellectual depth. The film's use of its aspect ratio, of which I will not spoil, is a brilliant stroke of creative genius, all of the characters are either likable to watch or easy to sympathize, and at times, it is oh-so gorgeous to listen and view (The "Transformation" is one of the most hypnotizing mixtures of sight and sound I've ever seen in an animated feature). At times, a couple of the songs in context can be a little repetitive, and there is one moment where it shamelessly rips-off Finding Nemo ("FISH! FISH! FISH! FISH! FISH!" Ring a bell?), but for the most part, Brother Bear is one unadulterated bear-hug of a film. Under-appreciated gem. 



A Direct-To-Video sequel that is equally worthy to its predecessor? No, check that. A DISNEY Direct-To-Video sequel that is equally worthy to its predecessor? Well, say it ain't so! Brother Bear 2 may not be an artistically ambitious film, but it's surprisingly involving and continues the story rather than re-telling the first film again. Nita (voiced by Mandy More) is a very likable new character who has an equal amount of strengths and weaknesses, even if she has a familiar mixture of both Belle and Mulan. The thematic element of love is further explored with a terrific amount of insightful depth, and as a first in the line-up of Disney DTV's, it comes without false sentimentality. Apart from an unfunny (though purposeful) scene with the Shai-woman (voiced by Wanda Sykes), a bland stereotype of a father (respectively voiced by Jim Cummings) and a couple of obvious pacing issues, Brother Bear 2 is, in a word, surprising. It's surprisingly entertaining, surprisingly moving, and surprisingly thoughtful. It didn't have to be made, yet I'm glad it exists. It's one of the better sequels out there, and a masterpiece compared to most of the DTV's that I've seen in the past few years. Don't get me started on The Hunchback of Notre Dame II. 

Out of five FISH FISH FISH FISH FISH, I give both Brother Bear and Brother Bear 2:



Until next time,

CHARLOTTE'S WEB!

and Roar, of course?