The best way to do a Sinbad film is as if it is a fantastical road- movie and one that takes him to some interesting places while we see some fun monsters. That is what this DreamWorks take on the character does well. There is main goal at the centre of the film holding it all together, but it effectively sees Sinbad travel to various exotic places and battles mythical creatures. Sinbad and the other main characters aren't that interesting, so crafting a plot line like that works greatly to the films advantage.
The relatively straight-forward story sees Sinbad and his crew attempt to retrieve the 'book of peace' from the Goddess of chaos Eris in order to save the life of his best friend. It's nothing gripping, but it moves things along well enough. Sinbad (an okay Brad Pitt) does a serviceable job as our hero. He is charming and has some funny lines, but he is a quite bland. We don't really know anything about him and he doesn't have any features that make him interesting. An ambassador named Marina (Catherine Zeta-Jones) joins them and she is a fun female lead, she's thoughtful but tough enough to get things done. The rest of the crew are just forgettable, however I do find Kale's exchanges with Sinbad funny and Rat has some humorous moments.
The best feature of the film is easily Eris. Not because she's overly complex, but mostly because of the fantastic design and Michelle Pfeiffer's engrossing vocal work. Her movements are animated beautifully, the way she spirals and shape shifts is just great to watch. Every time the character shows up on screen it is gripping and Pfeiffer's seductive voice is just perfect for the part.
This is the last 2-D animated film that DreamWorks have done and it looks fantastic for the most part. The seas look vast and mysterious, while the locations are well designed whether it be bright or wintery. Places like Tartarus and Eris' realm are effectively designed. Some of the CGI used can standout against the backgrounds as seen with the Eris' sea monster which looks a little ropey. But elsewhere it looks great, especially with the design of the Roc. The action and the swordplay is always suitably energetic too. The score by Harry Gregson-Williams fits the film nicely and does a solid job of conveying the adventure or threat that is taking place on screen.
The jokes and the dialogue is rather inconsistent. Some of the more 'modern' speak and puns do fall quite flat, but some of the jokes can be a lot of fun. I'd have preferred it if they had kept a more timeless way of speaking. The interactions between the crew can be funny and you do get a sense of comradery between them. Sinbad and Marina do have chemistry, yet it is clear where they're story is going. They argue a lot and are competitive, but you know that they'll hook up in the end. Some subtle changes to the formula would have made the film more engaging.
However, for what it is Sinbad is an enjoyable adventure romp and delivers pretty much everything you would expect a film of this type to. On the whole it is rather hit and miss, but what it does well it does really well. While Sinbad might not be a great hero, Eris makes for a great villain. The animation is very good, the creatures are fun and action is always entertaining. Some elements are a touch weak, but the focus is kept on moving the film along and in the end it is an enjoyable piece.
The relatively straight-forward story sees Sinbad and his crew attempt to retrieve the 'book of peace' from the Goddess of chaos Eris in order to save the life of his best friend. It's nothing gripping, but it moves things along well enough. Sinbad (an okay Brad Pitt) does a serviceable job as our hero. He is charming and has some funny lines, but he is a quite bland. We don't really know anything about him and he doesn't have any features that make him interesting. An ambassador named Marina (Catherine Zeta-Jones) joins them and she is a fun female lead, she's thoughtful but tough enough to get things done. The rest of the crew are just forgettable, however I do find Kale's exchanges with Sinbad funny and Rat has some humorous moments.
The best feature of the film is easily Eris. Not because she's overly complex, but mostly because of the fantastic design and Michelle Pfeiffer's engrossing vocal work. Her movements are animated beautifully, the way she spirals and shape shifts is just great to watch. Every time the character shows up on screen it is gripping and Pfeiffer's seductive voice is just perfect for the part.
This is the last 2-D animated film that DreamWorks have done and it looks fantastic for the most part. The seas look vast and mysterious, while the locations are well designed whether it be bright or wintery. Places like Tartarus and Eris' realm are effectively designed. Some of the CGI used can standout against the backgrounds as seen with the Eris' sea monster which looks a little ropey. But elsewhere it looks great, especially with the design of the Roc. The action and the swordplay is always suitably energetic too. The score by Harry Gregson-Williams fits the film nicely and does a solid job of conveying the adventure or threat that is taking place on screen.
The jokes and the dialogue is rather inconsistent. Some of the more 'modern' speak and puns do fall quite flat, but some of the jokes can be a lot of fun. I'd have preferred it if they had kept a more timeless way of speaking. The interactions between the crew can be funny and you do get a sense of comradery between them. Sinbad and Marina do have chemistry, yet it is clear where they're story is going. They argue a lot and are competitive, but you know that they'll hook up in the end. Some subtle changes to the formula would have made the film more engaging.
However, for what it is Sinbad is an enjoyable adventure romp and delivers pretty much everything you would expect a film of this type to. On the whole it is rather hit and miss, but what it does well it does really well. While Sinbad might not be a great hero, Eris makes for a great villain. The animation is very good, the creatures are fun and action is always entertaining. Some elements are a touch weak, but the focus is kept on moving the film along and in the end it is an enjoyable piece.