THUMBELINA
A film review by James Berardinelli
Copyright 1994 James Berardinelli
Rating (0 to 10): 7.1
Date Released: 3/30/94 Running Length: 1:26 Rated: G
Featuring the voices of Jodi Benson, Gary Imhoff, John Hurt, Carol Channing, Barbara Cooke, Gilbert Gottfried Directors: Don Bluth and Gary Goldman Producers: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman, and John Pomeroy Screenplay: Don Bluth based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen Music: Barry Manilow; song lyrics by Jack Feldman and Bruce Sussman Released by Warner Brothers
In the world of animated feature films, only one production company has managed to come close to the standard set by Disney--the one headed by Don Bluth. From AN AMERICAN TAIL to THUMBELINA, Bluth's movies have been second only to the studio under which he made his name. The success of THE LITTLE MERMAID, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and ALADDIN has brought an upsurge in animated motion pictures, most of which (ONCE UPON A FOREST and WE'RE BACK: A DINOSAUR'S STORY) border on unwatchable. Fortunately, THUMBELINA breaks this non-Disney trend, presenting a theatrical experience that is lively and enjoyable for both children and adults.
As her name indicates, Thumbelina (voice of Jodi Benson) is about the size of a finger. She lives a generally happy day-to-day life with her human mother and several animal friends, but something is missing--until she meets Cornelius (voice of Gary Imhoff), the Fairy Prince. One day, while out riding his bumblebee, Cornelius overhears Thumbelina singing. Circumstances bring the two together, and they are instantly smitten with each other. But before Cornelius can propose marriage, Thumbelina is stolen away by a gruesome toad who also wants her for his wife.
Disneys animated movies have a threefold strength: the quality of the animation, the energy of the songs, and the clarity of the plot. In all of these areas, THUMBELINA is close, but not quite up to the level of THE LITTLE MERMAID, the weakest of Disney's recent entries. Actually, THE LITTLE MERMAID comparison comes easily--both are tales of young women striving for, and finding, love with a prince; and Jodi Benson provides the voices of the heroines for both films.
The animation is crisp and visually striking, with careful attention paid to details--a trademark of both Bluth and Disney. Thumbelina is perhaps not as completely-realized as Arielle, Belle, or Jasmine, but she's far better drawn than the women populating all the fringe big-screen cartoons. The same can be said of the other characters, most of whom are animals, and none of which embarrass their creators.
Barry Manilow's music isn't as immediately recognizable as that of Alan Menken, but he does manage a worthy tune or two. One song in particular, "Let Me Be Your Wings", co-written by Manilow with Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman (who partnered with Menken for Disney's live-action NEWSIES), is a standout, and every bit the equal of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST's title track or ALADDIN's "A Whole New World."
The storyline of THUMBELINA, adapted from the popular Hans Christian Andersen fable, is relatively uncomplicated, and makes excellent material for an animated romance/adventure. There are several occasions when the plot seems rushed, especially towards the end. While children most likely won't notice this, adults will, although it shouldn't detract much from anyone's enjoyment of the film.
The vocal talents of several well-known actors are made use of in THUMBELINA. John Hurt, the veteran British performer, supplies the very proper voice of Mr. Mole. Carol Channing is Ms. Fieldmouse. And Gilbert Gottfried, who stole his share of scenes as Iago in ALADDIN, plays an acid-tongued beetle.
Entertainment comes in many forms, and THUMBELINA is among the frothiest available. But the best thing is that not only is it fun--an eminently watchable--but it's a perfect "family film," capable of pleasing both children and their parents. With the exception of Disney fare, this has become an increasingly-rare commodity, and when an opportunity such as this occurs, it should be taken advantage of.
- James Berardinelli (blake7@cc.bellcore.com)
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