Brother Bear (2003, Disney Movie) – 6/10 review

Director: Aaron Blaise Director: Robert Walker Writer (Screenplay): Tab Murphy Writer (Screenplay): Lorne Cameron Writer (Screenplay): David Hoselton Writer (Screenplay): Steve Bencich Writer (Screenplay): Ron Friedman Composer (Songs): Phil Collins Supervising Animator Kenai – Bear: Byron Howard Joaquin Phoenix: Kenai – Bear Supervising Animator Koda: Alexander S. Kupershmidt Jeremy Suarez: Koda Supervising Animator Denahi: Ruben A. Aquino Jason Raize: Denahi Supervising Animator Kenai – Human: James Young Jackson Joaquin Phoenix: Kenai – Human

Brother Bear (2003) Kenai seeks to avenge the death of his older brother by killing the bear responsible. However, his older brother, now a spirit, seeks to teach his impetuous and selfish younger brother a lesson and, obviously, changes him into a bear. 6/10 Tedious talking sections undermine what should have been a largely ’silent’ / song-based film; the same mistake they made with the rather more ambitious Dinosaur. That said, the comedy bits generally work and, in the end, it produces the requisite emotions. Phil Collins’ songs and score (co-written with Mark Mancina as with the outstanding Tarzan) are fine but the animation is distinctly below par for a premium Disney release. The CG and backgrounds are animated fluidly but the main characters appear to be done at rather less than the full 24-frames-per-second. So, almost despite itself, an above-average six. Especially, if you listen to the highly entertaining audio commentary by the moose brothers. Yep. This movie contains violence, unpleasant scenes and the bears aren’t wearing any clothes. Classified U by BBFC. Universal: Suitable for All.