Machine within the god

Rating: Null/10 (10 July 2004)

I laugh when I read most of the reviews here because they are so concerned about accuracy to story. As any real film viewer knows, movies aren't about story or the intricateness of the plot. They help, but aren't necessary.
This gets the dubious honor of being the most interesting of Disney's Phase III releases. I'm not saying it's worth watching, but you should notice a few ironies if you do.
Disney has, since the start, found something where they invest themselves in their work. In 'Beauty and the Beast' it was in Belle. In 'Pocahantas' it was in the "New World" concept. They also find interesting ways of skewing perspectives (e.g. in 'Dumbo' the elephants are both the Axis powers and the Republicans. One symbol is obvious, the other isn't). Here it is not a character or a place, but an idea. Consider:
--The modernization of Hercules with the endorsement machine. Not since 'Dumbo' have we seen a similar portrayal. Disney flaunts the very process that makes their marketing campaigns so huge. Since 'Little Mermaid', Disney has relied on flooding the market with hyperhype (is that a word?) to guarantee success.
--Gerald Scarfe as designer. I would have loved to see Scarfe's original ideas implemented since he knows about mix of real and cartoon in his art. Too bad that many of his ideas fell victim to Disney's "cutesy" machine. It would be great seeing an animated version of this reminiscent to his art in 'Pink Floyd'.
--James Woods. One of our best characters actors left, is it any wonder that Disney chose him? Dreamworks felt threatened by this talent so they grabbed as many "high name" starts as they could for their equally mythical 'Prince of Egypt'. Funny how Woods' readings here trump everything Katzenberg tried.
Overall, you don't need to see this or any other Phase III Disney, but if you do, start with this.
Final Analysis = = Cinematic Dud