AGW Entertainment reporters Renee W. and Lynn B. saw a new animated adventure film.

SINBAD: LEGEND OF THE SEVEN SEAS

Dreamworks Pictures

Hey, it's hot Brad Pitt co-starring with gorgeous Catherine Zeta-Jones as his love interest and Michelle Pfeiffer as the third in the love triangle! Of course they are all playing animated characters but what's not to like? Brad wanted to finally make a film that his young nieces and nephews could go see so becoming a Dreamworks animated adventurer as Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas, sounded like the way to go.

Sinbad (Brad Pitt) is one of the most feared thieves in the twelve cities. Now, he's sailing to steal the magical Book of Peace; which keeps peace in whatever land it is in. It's now in Syracuse where his childhood friend Proteus (Joseph Fiennes) is protecting it. While Sinbad is trying to steal the Book, Eris, the Goddess of Chaos (Michelle Pfeiffer), sends a sea monster to cause…Well…Chaos. When Sinbad is knocked into the ocean and is about to drown, Eris makes a deal with him to bring the Book of Peace to her realm and she will make him a very rich man.

At Syracuse, Sinbad meets Proteus again, this time with his fiancée Marina (Catherine Zeta-Jones). When Sinbad meets and is charmed by Marina, he forgets about his deal with Eris and decides to leave Syracuse without the book. Eris, then frames Sinbad for stealing the Book of Peace and he is to be condemned to death. Proteus offers to take Sinbad's place, while he searches for and recovers the Book. If Sinbad does not return with the book in ten days, Proteus will die in Sinbad's place.

When Sinbad leaves on his mission, he plans to toss it all in and go to Fiji but Marina has stowed away to make sure that Sinbad carries through with his mission. Now, with no choice but to continue, and of course fall in love with Marina and get some morals, Sinbad sets course to recover the Book of Peace.

This is a really fun film for the whole family. The action sequences are especially well-choreographed and very creative.. just as good as many live action sequences I've seen or better. The actors chosen for the movie are all excellent and that brings a special magic to the characters. They really seem "real" in the hands of excellent actors like Pitt, Zeta-Jones, Fiennes, Pfeiffer, etc. Dialogue is better than the average animated "talk" because this banter was written by the guy who wrote Gladiator and Tom Cruise's new flick The Last Samurai. So be ready for funny, witty lines. For example, when the crew's dog throws up after a long trip at sea… there is a pause and some off-stage voice says 'Hey, where did he get carrots?" Ewwwww but hilarious!

The animation is a combo of traditional hand-drawn and computer generated and it isn't as seamless as in some films but I was having so much fun with the adventure, acting and dialogue that I didn't care. The film has a lot to say about friendship, sacrifice, loyalty and doing what's "right" but it isn't laid on you as a "lesson", it's just part of the story. Marina, the heroine has short hair for a change and holds her own with Sinbad and his men. Like Princess Fiona, she's no shrinking violet and can rescue her guy right along with the best of the men. I really enjoyed this little adventure!

RENEE SAYS: This film is definitely has adventure, comedy and comes complete with a love story! The characters are thoroughly enjoyable and you keep rooting for them too. A couple parts are a bit cheesy, but still fun. This movie can be enjoyed by anyone who likes adventure stories at any age. I give this movie 3 ½ stars out of five.

Rated: PG

Official website