Lots of razzle-dazzle, too much fizzle

Rating: 5/10 (30 May 2009)

VERY impressive animation and "cinematography." The story begins on a touching note, with beautiful short-cut vignettes that demonstrate the passing of time and the developing of a relationship. After that, the film bogs down to a routine action/adventure, rendered more fantastic, perhaps, than the "Raiders of the Lost Ark" series only because of the lack of constraints that the medium of animation allows. For me, the unhinging of the imagination afforded the creative team was wasted on extravagant but silly, over-the-top, plotting. I don't routinely seek out animated movies, but the word on the street for this one was compelling -- almost irresistible. Worth a look, sure. I expected to be blown away, but I found myself checking my watch about an hour into the show.