Very good - This one will survive

Rating: 10/10 (26 August 2006)

As the 46 year old father of three, I just love this movie. Not only are the voice talents just right in this one, but the SCRIPT is clever! By that I don't mean that the *premise* is clever (which it nevertheless is), but the script writing, the turn of a phrase. . . shoot, the USE of a phrase here and there, it's really funny. I chalk this up to allowing the characters to BE characters instead of caricatures of characters.
The actors and actresses timing is *perfect* and even when the whole thing gets silly (which it does, in a good way), the characterizations hold-up.
As I write this, years after the movie's release, my kids and I can (and do) still occasionally find reasons to quote some of the lines.
This is one of those "go-to" movies when everyone's bored and you just need something fun to watch. It doesn't get ultra-sappy, it won't make you laugh until you cry, nobody has to fall in love with anyone and nobody has to die a horrible, unjust death. There isn't even a tragic death we sing about. So it's funny,clever, moves-along pretty well, has a villain who is . . . more believable than they were meant to be I'm afraid. . . has clever dialogue and is well-voice-acted.
Kids like it and adults like it. EVEN some teenagers like it. (try that with most animated fair) And for the old guys like me, I get to listen to Tom Jones (entertaining theme) and Sting to boot (the soundtrack has some good stuff on it, not necessarily from the movie).
If you won't *listen* and pay attention, then forget everything I've written; but buy or rent it for those you love who will. I'd say it's suitable for everyone.