I was a little disappointed, but I did enjoy it

Rating: 7/10 (27 December 2008)

This was a really cute movie - but I think I expected a little more than it actually delivered. I guess it didn't help that it was perpetually hyped and marketing as the best animated movie ever. I'm not sure it quite lives up to that high of billing.
What I did really like about it was the animation and artwork. The colors were absolutely gorgeous and brilliant. Everything seemed to almost jump off the screen at you. I also really liked Jack Black's portrayal as the underdog who becomes the hero. He has the self-deprecating personality to begin with that fit well here.
Some disappointments were that some big name A list stars seem to barely have bit parts here - like Angelina Jolie and Jackie Chan. I would have liked to hear more from their characters. Jolie's rendition seemed to be especially flat and emotionless - but perhaps she was trying to portray a steely tigress. But it sounded like she was just reading lines. I also think there were few laugh out loud moments for me - and I would have expected more.
Overall, a very cute family movie (we sure need more of those) with a positive message. Just don't see it with too high expectations.