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Back Shelf Beauties
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Valiant While Disney has been partnered with Pixar on many successful movies over the past decade (Toy Story, Finding Nemo), the relationship is going through hard times, and might need some relationship counseling to hold it all together. These two lovebirds are almost ready to go on a break, so Disney has started a 4-picture fling with the younger Vanguard Animation - creators of Valiant. Will Disney eventually go back to its true love, Pixar, after realizing the value of their relationship and how much they miss the reliable ball and chain who has been there through thick and thin, or will they end up in a nasty divorce because Disney feels alive again with the exciting, new, young British tart mistress, Vanguard? Set during World War II, Ewan McGregor provides the voice of Valiant - a young pigeon from England's countryside who dreams of joining the Royal Homing Pigeon Service. These brave, feathered fighters carry valuable messages from the front to help win the war, but they must avoid dangerous Nazi Falcons along the way. Even though he isn't big enough, Valiant is able to join the squad as they suffer monumental losses, and soon has to carry out one of the most critical missions of the War. Can Valiant and his ragtag squad deliver a message that could change the course of the War for the Allies? Kids will be drawn in by the idea of animated pigeons and other animals doing funny stuff (as talking animals are known to do), but will they be able to understand World War II and those scary Nazi Falcons? It's possible, since Valiant is a decent comedy that dutifully parodies war movies, while throwing in enough (but not too much) potty humor and slapstick gags for the kiddies. Co-writer/director George Webster and co-writers Jordan Katz and George Melrod insert all of the expected elements including a young, underestimated hero who believes "it's not the size of your wingspan, but the size of your spirit;" a comic relief character who has bad hygiene and manners, so the kids will laugh; some massive obstacle to overcome which draws the team together; and more. However, Valiant is nothing special. Valiant goes through the motions and competently entertains, but never has a moment of brilliance (like my movie reviews?). It's a movie that will be good enough, but not memorable or worth seeing again (definitely like a date with me). McGregor fills Valiant with earnestness and creates a likable underdog, while other actors fill the typical roles like the grizzled drill sergeant (Jim Broadbent); the bigger than life war hero, Gutsy (Hugh Laurie); the beautiful nurse/love interest, Victoria (Olivia Williams); and the evil Nazi Falcon leader, Talon (Tim Curry). Even Ricky Gervais plays a character all too familiar as Bugsy - the hustler, fast talking city pigeon who befriends Valiant, and has many problems with hygiene. However, one voice actor who stands out is Sharon Hogan as Charles De Girl - a French resistance fighter who is part of Valiant's mission. For her brief time on screen, Hogan makes Charles De Girl one of the most interesting and compelling characters. Then, she has to give way to a flatulent mouse thrown in for comic relief. Yes, it's very sad. Even the British know what will make us Yanks laugh, and it isn't the classy, witty stuff. Valiant has a good story, a little inspiration for the underdogs, and some laughs, so it's worth seeing, especially if you have kids. 2 ½ Waffles (Out Of 4) Copyright 2005 - WaffleMovies.com
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