Moviehole.net
July 2003
By Joe Cooper

Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michelle Pfeiffer, Joseph Fiennes, Dennis Haysbert

DreamWorks’ latest entry into the competitive animation arena is a winner for kids and parents alike. While the swashbuckling adventure showcases the latest and greatest animation techniques, and therefore keeps the modern child suitably stimulated, it refreshingly abstains from the excessive amounts of violence and other adult concepts slowly, but surely creeping into children’s fare.

Sinbad, the pirate and adventurer of storybook fame, sails the high seas with his crew of ‘scallywags’, searching for fun and profit. When the chance to steal the famed Book of Peace (a magical item that keeps the Twelve Cities safe from harm) presents itself, the seagoing rogue finds it very hard to resist temptation.

Resist he does though, but to no avail. The mysterious Eris, Goddess of Chaos, takes the priceless item, and frames the infamous thief for the crime. In order to clear his already tarnished name, and return peace and harmony to the world, the daring Sinbad must sail across unknown seas, battle terrible monsters, and face the dark lady herself. If that’s not difficult enough, he must also confront his own unscrupulous nature along the way.

Adding to the film’s appeal is an all-star cast lending the characters their voices. Hamming it up nicely for the kids are the likes of Michelle Pfeiffer, Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Dennis Haysbert, and Joseph Fiennes. From an adult’s point of view, it’s quite entertaining trying to ascertain which voice belongs to which Hollywood celebrity. It really isn’t as easy as it seems.

Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas is also a treat for serious animation fans. Over 500 artists, animators, and technicians employed their talents for three years to blend the best of traditional 2D styling (think Fantasia) with cutting-edge 3D modelling techniques. The settings are beautifully crafted and almost photographic, while the characters retain that cartoon charm everyone’s grown to love over the past four decades.

In accordance with the film’s rating, some parental guidance could be necessary, especially for younger children. For example, questions may be raised when Sinbad faces a date with a sinister-looking, axe-wielding headsman. However, the film does not contain death, blood, profanity, or anything else wholly unsuitable for young minds. Instead, it focuses on high adventure and such positive virtues as friendship, loyalty, and bravery. Like Sinbad himself, DreamWorks should be applauded for not bowing to temptation.

With Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas, the kids get great escapist entertainment, and Mums and Dads receive piece of mind. To source expert input on the final score, the two schoolgoing rogues (8 year old boys) that accompanied me to the preview screening gave the experience a “Very good! Almost as good as Shrek!