Review of Fantasia 2000 (2000) by Richard M — 08 Apr 2008

It may have been a mistake for me to do so; but I read some of the other Flickster reviews before writing my own. After reading the other reviews, I want to know why so many people insist on playing the it's-not-as-good-as-the-original card. It isn't the original, it is a new movie, sixty years later and, I feel, should be considered as a seperate entity. Sure, I love the original Fantasia, too; but new generations of animators and new generations of fans deserve a shot at one of their own.

And this one is first rate.

I love the musical pieces they chose to showcase. I love the storylines that they came up with. My spouse found, particularly, moving the vignette with the whales, while I was left breathless by the Firebird suite. It was great seeing The Sorcerer's Apprentice remastered and on the big screen (we saw it in IMAX) - it's like an old friend. I admit that the Donald Duck/Noah's Ark story was a little hokey but it's Disney and it's Donald Duck and you just accept it. I liked the Steadfast Tin Soldier and the flamingos were very cute.

For my family, though, the real treat was the Rhapsody In Blue. We're New Yorkers and we have been a show business family for 20 plus years, so to have the animation based on the work of the great Al Hirschfeld, to have the story set in New York, to have it underscored by that amazing Gershwin music -- well, it was just heaven for us. We fell in love, not only with the skit, but with the little pink girl named (in the credits) Rachel.

We could really go for some more Disney movies with Rachel in them.

Perhaps the intros by the big stars are a little distracting and unnecessary; but I found that the presence of these famous faces made it feel more homey - like we were enjoying the picture with good friends.

My suggestion: set aside pre conceived notions and watch it with the intent to let go and enjoy...