I went out and saw Hunchback last night with my family. The main reason
I went out and saw it on the first day it was out was because I have a
freind in Southern California who saw a sneak preview of it and hated
it. He said the film was too dark, that all the characters were dark and
horrid - that there's nothing bright in the film.
He wrote a review of Pocahontas last year, telling what an awful movie
it was.
I didn't agree then and I don't agree now.
I think this film is worth seeing. I think it is a film made for adults,
but then again I said that about Pocahontas and the kids seemed to love
it anyway.
No spoiler is needed - I don't plan to reveal anything about the plot.
I thought the locations were recreated in a way that made them look very
real. The characters actually acted like people - with feelings and
plans and hopes and dreams. I was caught up in it.
This film is a far cry from "The Little Mermaid" or other Disney fare,
but that may work to its advantage.
I wasn't exactly humming the soundtrack on the way out or anything. I
think the success of the Broadway version of "Beauty and The Beast" went
to the song-writers' heads. This film has too many songs and not a one
is memorable. I can't IMAGINE the soundtrack doing very well.
On the other hand, the people seem very real and they are faced with
very real problems. These problems are NOT solved supernaturally,
either. They are struggled with and dealt with. The people grow in
strength as they conquer their fears.
This is a very compelling story told very well.
It is different enough that I don't expect it to break any box-office
records, but all the same it is worth seeing.
Disney has brought together all the solid elements of a great film and
they click in this one.
I plan to see it again and again and again and then someday own it on
laser disc.
--- ViaMAIL!/WC5 v1.00a
---------------