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My personal review of 'The Swan Princess'

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My girlfriend and I saw the movie at a midnight showing on opening night (we had the whole theatre to ourselves!!) and we loved it!

The story comes through a tried and true traditional plotline, with a few twists thrown in. Yes Richie Rich (w/ NEST Entertainment and Living Scriptures Incorporated) has attempted to mirror many of the things that has made Disney animation productions so memorable: engaging plot, beautiful and exciting hero/heroine, malicious evil guy, cute sidekicks, gorgeous animation, memorable musical score/lyrics. And overall I feel he has achieved this goal.

Hal Hinson of the Washington Post feels that in comparison with 'The Lion King' the 'Swan Princess' is 'far the better of the two.' While I don't quite agree with this statement (both movies have their strongpoints), 'The Swan Princess' fairs extremely well in overall enjoyment factor.

Hinson summarizes with 'Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the film is its fluid, unhurried pace. Rich and his team aren't interested in roller-coaster effects or sledgehammer manipulations. They have a lush, original sense of color, even a flair for the poetic...' '...Now it seems, they've [Disney studios] got talented company.'

I feel kids will enjoy the whole feature with wide-eyed glimmer, but adults are in for a treat with the romantic and comic elements in the story. Prince Derek and Princess Odette in their early years go at it like the traditional 'boy teases girl, girl teases boy, but they both like each other' episode. Finally whispers of love flow in, yet Derek isn't mature enough to realize what love is all about. It takes Princess Odette's disappearance for him to really think about why he loves her, and then chooses to find and fight for that love with his whole heart.

The three animal sidekicks of Princess Odette are hilarious. Jean-Bob, the little french frog (reminds me of Sebastian in TLM somewhat) is an absolute crack up. John Clease does a GREAT job with Jean-Bob's accent and emotions. He had me rolling. Steven Wright also does a wonderful performance as Speed, the less than fast-as-lightning (except for his swimming!) turtle. The 'hunting' scene is also a highlight of great laughs! (Remember to "DUCK!!" *giggle*)

Jack Palance in his traditional role as 'bad guy' (Rothbart) is pretty good. However his solo song scene wasn't too spectacular (I don't think Palance sung that song it either.) Sandy Duncan as Derek's mother also fairs very well with a secondary role.

Most of the songs were entertaining. 'Far Longer than Forever,' the theme song, is a great singable romantic song. Similar to Aladdin's 'A Whole New World.' 'Eternity' is another great love song.

In summary Mr. Rich has produced an animation feature which stands on a competitive level with the Disney studios. I am thankful for some quality work that is "extremely wholesome entertainment for the whole family." I hope that 'The Swan Princess' does very well and we see alot more of Richie Rich and NEST/Living Scriptures Inc. in the future. Go see it!!!

'The Swan Princess' gets two thumbs up (throws in a kiss to Princess Odette) from this Prince Derek! *smile*

Let Odette escort you back to the Swan Princess Reviews page