Weakest of the Pixar films

Rating: 4/10 (1 June 2009)

My feelings on this film seem to go against the vast majority of those on IMDb, but I really did not enjoy this movie. I thought the scenery was beautiful, sure, and that the story was at times touching, but none of the characters were strong or even all that appealing, and storyline tried way too hard to milk a childhood idea and lost steam quickly.
From the beginning it is extremely sad, which would be okay had they not advertised it as a comedy. The comedic relief was lacking, with only one real funny character (Doug) who got annoying quickly. He redeems himself by becoming calmer and more loving, but his counterparts only wear out their welcome more.
I'm having trouble wondering what Pixar was thinking in making the main characters a stubborn, old, depressed man and a dumb, fat child. Perhaps with the latter they were trying to make up for their social criticisms in Wall-E, but it was still a poor choice. I know that Mr. Frederickson had to be old and shows more emotion if he is stubborn and sad for over half the film, but it doesn't make him any more appealing. And if his wife meant so much to him and the story, why was she only in it for 5 minutes? Finally, to briefly touch on the antagonist, his motives were stupid and he should be way older than he was. He has a huge collection of beautiful things, yet is going after a multicolored ostrich. Look at his collection! Everything in there was way more spectacular than that bird that eludes him for so long! Moreover, considering his inventions its baffling to me that he couldn't take a picture or even do things that other characters do easily to find it.
I was not at all satisfied with this film. The animation is great, and the story shows glimpses of true beauty, but it's target audience seems to be those well passed retirement. I think it was easily Pixar's weakest undertaking yet.