At first Moses seems only incidentally vexed that his fellow Hebrews have been enslaved to help build the pyramids. It makes a compelling argument for the Exodus story to be told in the unique language of animation. What doesn't work so well is the storytelling, traditionally a hallmark of Disney-style cartoon craftsmanship. The film lacks creative exuberance, any side pockets of joy. All those evangelists and rabbis who were consulted during the picture's gestation must have weighed like a rock on the filmmakers' impulse to soar.
Artistic care gives way to religious caution, and the picture sometimes looks starched, stodgy.
When You Believe anthem, Stephen Schwartz's tunes mostly bring not buoyancy but ballast to the proceedings. Steve Martin is here for muted comic relief, but don't expect to hear him sing King Tut. Nonetheless, it is missed. The Prince of Egypt is a grand experiment, a crusade to expand the frustratingly narrow boundaries of feature animation. Click for more options or for help .