Warm and cuddly family fun

Disney once again has created a light-hearted moral tale that celebrates family togetherness while teaching a young audience they may find brotherly love in the most surprising places. \nThere is something magical about Disney's animated features that strike a chord with not only children, but also adults. Remember that warm feeling after seeing The Lion King or The Little Mermaid for the first time? Those films were not only fun animated musicals but they also taught viewers a moral lesson. With the onset of Pixar's 3-D features, Disney's 2-D animations have recently been less successful. Brother Bear may be the film to edge Disney back to the top. \nTen thousand years ago at a Native American ceremony in the Pacific Northwest, Kenai (Joaquin Phoenix), the youngest of three brothers, is rewarded a totem of a bear signifying love. He is embarrassed after his older brothers receive warrior totems symbolizing guidance and wisdom. Soon after, he tries to prove his manhood by attempting to kill a bear that has taken his basket of fish. His oldest brother Sitka tries to protect him, but is sadly killed. The mother bear is also killed in the struggle and the Great Spirits then transform Kenai into a bear to teach him a valuable lesson. Kenai must go through the trials and tribulations of making the treacherous journey to where the lights touch the earth in order to be turned back into a man. On his way he unwillingly befriends Koda, a mischievous yet adorable bear cub who has been estranged from his mother. They reach their destination, and in the process Kenai realizes how much he and his new brother Koda need one another.\nThe film features music by Phil Collins which works surprisingly well. The animation team that created Lilo and Stitch and Mulan beautifully animated this film to show how truly breathtaking Mother Earth is. It is not only visually pleasing but contains characters such as the Silly Bears and the clueless Moose Brothers to round out the already loveable cast. The audience especially falls in love with Koda as he helps Kenai on his physical and spiritual journey. \nBrother Bear successfully encourages acceptance and togetherness of nature, animals and man. While it may not rank as high with viewers as The Lion King, it is a cute and comical film that is sure to make for a fun family trip to the movies.