POCAHONTAS
A film review by James Berardinelli
Copyright 1995 James Berardinelli
RATING (0 TO 10): 8.2
United States, 1995 U.S. Availability: limited release 6/16/95; wide release 6/23/95 Running Length: 1:21 MPAA Classification: G Theatrical Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Featuring the voices of Irene Bedard, Mel Gibson, Russell Means, David Ogden Stiers, Linda Hunt, Christian Bale Directors: Mike Gabriel and Eric Goldberg Producer: James Pentecost Screenplay: Carl Binder, Susannah Grant, and Philip LaZebnik Music: Alan Menken Song Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz U.S. Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures
Anyone who expects historical accuracy from a Disney animated feature should be ashamed of themselves. Those approaching POCAHONTAS in anticipation of seeing a true-to-history account of the early days of Jamestown are in for a rude awakening. In reality, Pocahontas was a 12- year old girl who never had a romance with John Smith (she later married John Rolfe, the man who brought tobacco to England). Writers Binder, Grant, and LaZebnik have changed those details (and more) in an effort to create a story that appeals to both children and adults. Taking advantage of the studio's breathtakingly intricate animation, directors Mike Gabriel and Eric Goldberg have breathed vitality into this, the fifth "new wave" Disney animated feature.
Despite some obvious similarities -- Menken's music, a heroine who doesn't want her father to choose her husband, and a small legion of animals -- POCAHONTAS is actually something of a departure from the recent batch of releases (A LITTLE MERMAID, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, ALADDIN, and THE LION KING). This film isn't quite as cute; deals with some reasonably serious, "adult" issues; and contains an element of poignancy. The cartoonish animal sidekicks, which include a raccoon, a hummingbird, and a pug, are amusing as ever, but this time around, they don't have voices (although Linda Hunt gives speech to the talkative Grandmother Willow).
Considering the less upbeat nature of the story, POCAHONTAS isn't as fun or energetic as its Disney predecessors. The plot moves somewhat slowly, disdaining the frantic pace of THE LION KING. The Menken/Schwartz musical production numbers are lively (and probably better than anything since BEAUTY AND THE BEAST), but their on-screen time represents less than a third of the movie's "action."
POCAHONTAS presents a fictionalized chronicle of the arrival of English settlers in Virginia. Led by a greedy, bombastic governor (voiced by BEAUTY AND THE BEAST alum David Ogden Stiers) and Captain John Smith (voice of Mel Gibson), the explorers come in search of gold. They promptly begin cutting down trees, digging holes, and preparing to kill the Indians. Meanwhile, a young native woman, Pocahontas (speaking voice of Irene Bedard, who was also the physical model for the character; singing voice of Judy Kuhn), observes the newcomers with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. Her father (voice of Native American activist/actor Russell Means), however, is certain that the white mens' landing means war. The only hope to avert a pitched battle comes as a result of the developing romance between Smith and Pocahontas.
Several recognizable themes suffuse POCAHONTAS: the stupidity of wanton destruction, the need for tolerance between those of different races and cultures, and the forks in life's road offered by fate. While none is presented with any special subtlety (after all, children are supposed to get the message), there is surprisingly little preaching. It would have been easy to turn this into a "Native American good/White Man bad" film, but positive and negative traits are shown on both sides. The governor will not go down in history as one of the great Disney villains. He's more of a loud-mouthed boor than anything else -- not an evil-to-the-bone nasty like Jaffar or Ursula.
POCAHONTAS is going to make a ton of money, both on its nationwide opening weekend and in subsequent weeks. Children everywhere will flock to see it, accompanied by adults who rightfully recognize Disney animated films as solid entertainment for the over-ten crowd. The only question about this movie is whether, without the "happily-ever-after" ending, it will attract the repeat business of ALADDIN and THE LION KING. Regardless of what the final box office tally says, however, Disney has come up with another winner.
- James Berardinelli (jberardinell@delphi.com)
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