Why does the hunter always have to be the bad guy?

Rating: Null/10 (9 May 2000)

I watched this film with some friends and their little ones a few days ago. On the plus side, it moves like a tornado, the animation is phenomenal, and it actually managed to make me like Phil Collins' music. My big problem with this movie, and many Disney movies period, is that the hunter is ALWAYS THE BAD GUY. I actually know a hunter/trapper named Clayton; he and his wife and kids have been friends of my family for a long time. He is nothing like the idiot in this film. He is witty, worldly-wise and technically inclined (an ironworker by trade). He tells stories with language that's more than a bit colourful, but immediately puts you at ease because he uses it for punctuation rather than intimidation. His three daughters all got married last year, the happiness of which was muted somewhat by his wife being diagnosed with cancer. It might just be me, but I figure that these people are no better or worse than everyone else; they have lives and personalities like you and I. I always thought Disney entertainment was supposed to uphold tolerance for divergent views and lifestyles; apparently they'll make exceptions for activities that aren't politically correct. I find this very insulting. If Disney doesn't like my opinion, they should stop cross-promoting with McDonald's et al, which probably kills more animals than hunters each year. I sincerely hope that people who watch this movie will keep in mind that people are more complex than Disney would have you believe.