SIFF 2012 #3: The Great Bear
Today's offering, The Great Bear, was my favorite so far.
Also a CG animated children's film, this movie was darker and more uncertain than "Legends of Valhalla". While still a children's film, I wasn't certain where it was going.
A boy (about 10) goes on vacation to stay with his grandpa, but unfortunately his annoying little sister comes along too. Granddad lives on the edge of a great ancient forest, and the one rule he lays down is "Don't go into the forest". Guess which rule they break?
While in the woods, they encounter all sorts of odd animals (including mini-moose), especially a bear about the size of King Kong. Then... well, let's just say it's foreshadowing that the boy is reading a copy of "Moby Dick" on the train.
This movie had a surprising amount of emotionally depth (and, yes, I teared up at the end, but I'm rather emotional at the moment), and it features a protagonist who is believable as a kid (he makes a lot of boneheaded decisions). While it's a Danish movie, it is not geographically specific. The animation is a bit more realistic and less cartoonish than in "Legends of Valhalla" or the upcoming "Brave". If it ever gets a U.S. general release, I recommend it.
Also a CG animated children's film, this movie was darker and more uncertain than "Legends of Valhalla". While still a children's film, I wasn't certain where it was going.
A boy (about 10) goes on vacation to stay with his grandpa, but unfortunately his annoying little sister comes along too. Granddad lives on the edge of a great ancient forest, and the one rule he lays down is "Don't go into the forest". Guess which rule they break?
While in the woods, they encounter all sorts of odd animals (including mini-moose), especially a bear about the size of King Kong. Then... well, let's just say it's foreshadowing that the boy is reading a copy of "Moby Dick" on the train.
This movie had a surprising amount of emotionally depth (and, yes, I teared up at the end, but I'm rather emotional at the moment), and it features a protagonist who is believable as a kid (he makes a lot of boneheaded decisions). While it's a Danish movie, it is not geographically specific. The animation is a bit more realistic and less cartoonish than in "Legends of Valhalla" or the upcoming "Brave". If it ever gets a U.S. general release, I recommend it.