Dinosaur

Date:   May 21, 2000

Cast: (voices of)

Directors: Eric Leighton  and Ralph Zondag 

There has never been a doubt that Disney is on the cutting edge of the animation world.  Time and again, their efforts have proven that their animators are the ones who set the standards, which other studios strive towards.  Unfortunately, they appear to lack the ability to write, or even come up with, an original, or even entertaining story.  Witness Dinosaur, a truly groundbreaking visual masterpiece, that offers no interesting story to tell, and even plagiarizes the studio’s previous successes en route to a less than complete cinematic experience. 

Dinosaur starts with a definite bang.  The incredible opening sequence features the journey of an egg into the hands of a family of ape-like creatures.  Borrowing from Tarzan, Aladar, this young dinosaur, is raised as a part of the monkey's family.  However he yearns for his own kind.  As if on cue, comes a stunning meteor shower that forces the migration of all those affected.  During this trek, Aladar and the apes encounter more dinosaurs traveling towards the nesting place, a pre-historic nirvana where all will be wonderful and happy again.  Of course there is a leader of the pack, determined to drive onward and let those who can’t keep up fend for themselves.  Aladar takes the defense of the helpless ones; hence the conflict is born.  Of course there is a female who catches his eye who just happens to be the sister of the leader, mild shades of Romeo and Juliet.  Since this is meant to be a visual experience, an in-depth, original was not completely necessary.  However even a hint that something unique had crossed the writers minds would have been nice.  It seems none of that creativity spilled over from the animators into the writing pool. 

The animation is the sole reason to see this movie, because it is truly breathtaking.  Disney has been blurring the lines between animation and reality onscreen for a while, but with Dinosaur, they have erased the line completely.  There is nothing that even remotely looks animated or computer generated, it appears as if the cameras actually caught all of this action live, as it happened.  The stunning opening sequence, the meteor shower, the integration of effects into reality, even the smallest details, such as footprints, or splashes in water, are detailed and perfect. While the ilm that is aimed towards younger audiences, it lacks the playful happy nature that will maintain their short attention spans.  Disney strayed from their typical song and dance numbers here, apparently hoping that the visceral stimulation would be enough.  The Disney label implies immediately that it is something for kids, but some of this movie may scare them, and the story and absence of the usual standards, may bore them.

Ultimately, Dinosaur becomes nothing more than really tasty cinematic eye-candy.  It is absolutely delicious to look at, and admire, but beyond that, there is no depth.  It is forgivable that the story is simplistic and lacks any kind of depth, value or originality.  This is one to just turn off the sound and marvel at the visual treat.   Trying to express in words how incredible this movie looks does not do it justice.  The vision must be seen on the big screen to be truly appreciated. ($$1/2out of $$$$)

Agree? Disagree, Questions? Comments?

Tell Me Here

Actor and movie information courtesy of the

Go To Reel Rambling Page