Though computer animation has dominated the animation genre in America in both quality and creativity for a few years now, some traditionally drawn features still make it to theaters—and of course home video and DVD.

One such traditionally drawn animated feature now on DVD is “Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas.” It’s worth renting.

 

“Sinbad” suffers most from a weak story. The message concerning the value of friendship and paying one’s debt is a good one. However, Sinbad’s journey to save his friend is not as interesting as it could have been.

 

Anyone who remembers fondly the live action “The Golden Voyage of Sinbad” from 1974 or “The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad” from 1958 will probably be disappointed with this story. The characters, voiced by no less than Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michelle Pfeiffer, among others, are not that interesting either.

 

So what makes “Sinbad” a film worth renting? This film boasts spectacular animation. The opening scene alone, involving a sea monster, is worth the rental fee. There are several more scenes like this throughout the film. Though the script falls short, the animators succeed in making “Sinbad” an exquisite visual experience.

 

“Sinbad” hasn’t and won’t come close to the commercial success of “Finding Nemo,” nor should it; “Sinbad” isn’t close to the quality and creativity of “Nemo,” arguably the best film so far in 2003.

 

“Sinbad” is, however, a valiant effort in the art of animation.

    

Roger Thomas is pastor of First Baptist Church in Ablemarle, N.C.

 

MPAA Rating: PG for adventure action, some mild sensuality and brief language

Directors: Patrick Gilmore and Tim Johnson

Writer: John Logan

Voices: Sinbad: Brad Pitt; Marina: Catherine Zeta-Jones; Eris: Michelle Pfeiffer; Proteus: Joseph Fiennes; Kale: Dennis Haysbert.

 

Visit the movie’s official Web site.

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