A Giant Classic!

Rating: 10/10 (16 August 1999)

I have been dumbstruck by the lack of attention this gem of a movie has been getting. It is easily the best animated movie I have seen since Beauty and the Beast and the best movie I have seen this year. It accomplishes this by setting out on a different trek from Disney. The story is kept moving along without the now obligatory song and dance routines and goofy sidekicks perfected by the Mouse. Instead the animators rely on a carefully crafted script and characterization. The main morals of the movie are "You are what you choose to be" and an anti-violence message that seem particularly pertinant in this year of classroom horrors. As the director Brad Bird has said "what if a gun had a soul and chose not to be a gun." Overall, a stirring and timely classic that will stay with viewers long after they have left the theatre. I dare say, worthy of Oscar recognition for best picture of the year. Not to be missed!