Rating: 
Summary: Lacks charm of classic Disney movies
Review: Disney was not doing their best work when they produced this movie. It just didn't have the charm of Disney's other animated movies. The animation wasn't as rich and colorful as the older ones. It looked hastily done, as if the artists were painting by number---no fine detail, no artistic touches, nothing. That was a disappointment. The story itself is also a disappointment. It has little to do with the book (not that it always has to) and it just isn't a story that will entertain kids. What little kid wants to see a poor innocent man tortured and humiliated? It was so violent and had lots of religious themes that take away the viewer's attention. It isn't charming, it isn't fun to watch, and it isn't classic Disney. The movie was made in too much of a rush, and Disney should not have even attempted.
Rating:
Summary: The greatest movie ever!
Review: How much do I love this movie. This is no kids flick, and I'm glad. For once, Disney is displaying guts and doing a cartoon based solely on the fact that it has a good story. True, the gargoyles were put in there based on the Disney-funny-trendy-sidekick prerequisite, but they really don't upset the tone too much. Watch this movie because it has a great cast, intense story line, spectacular animation, and the music...gracious heavens, THE MUSIC! Every scene hits you right in the heart. I am glad that they didn't write the original ending for the movie, not because it would have made it worse, but because if I saw Esmeralda hanged and Quasimodo disappear from humanity forever, I don't think I could take it!
Rating:
Summary: Simple best of Disney animation(for adult)
Review: I remember my mom said she had watched a same titled movie when she was young. Also, I read the original book long time ago. After I watched Disney version with my 3.5 yrs old son(who is already a video mania), I had to send a email to my sister in my homecountry and asked to get a copy for my mom. Not totally happy ending(especially for Quasimodo) but this is the most well made Disney animation I've seen. And I agree- the songs! Simply great! Even I love the songs by Frollo as well as others. His song at the fireplace(I could feel your burning desire and conflict), Esmerala's really moving prayer song at the santuary as well as QM's. Does Phoebus sing? Now, he is my favorite hero character from all Disney(sorry QM, again). This may not be the best for kids though. I sure my mom will love this movie!
Rating:
Summary: The All-Time Animated Champ!
Review: There is no doubt that Disney has made MOST of the unforgettable animated features since the inception of that particular medium. There is also no doubt that as far as Disney animated films go, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is the best there has ever been. It is an out-and-out triumph, be it in terms of its script, composition, voice performances or even its use of cinematic license. The characterizations are exceptionally well-done, with all the major players achieving multi-dimensionality and then some for the entire proceedings. Quasimodo is realized brilliantly, equally a result of Tom Hulce's performance and the animator's brilliant work. The same must be said of Frollo, arguably Disney's most villainous character of all-time: there is nothing remotely outlandish or magical about him- he is no deviant sea witch or conniving feline usurper- he is utterly human and for that reason more than any other he inspires true terror. He is depicted as the worst sort of parent possible- one who claims to be a savior when he is in fact the source of the child's misery and self-loathing. Esmerelda and Captain Phoebus are also substantial animated characters, portrayed with depth and meaning. Stephen Schwartz's lyrics are exceptional, particularly in the songs "Heaven's Light" and "Hell Fire". Needless to say, Alan Menken's score is outright FANTASTIC, achieving in succession the moments of misery and heart-pounding drama fitting this story. The script is impeccable, preserving all the important parts of Hugo's novel and incorportaing some of the best dialogue ever written for animation. Parents should be forwarned: this is NOT a film for the very young, dealing as it does with religious issues (self-righteous piety and MIddle Aged zealotry, to name a couple), genocide, and sexuality (or more specifically, lust). This is, frankly, the most sophisticated animated release to ever emerge from Disney's animated empire. It is a shame we regard animation as a kiddie medium, for this film proves beyond doubt that an animator is as equipped to deal with raw issues as Scorcese has ever been.
Rating:
Summary: A WONDERFUL MOVIE!!!!!!!!!
Review: 5 stars and 1000 words aren't enough to tell you how great this movie is! "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is truly Disney's greatest triumph. It has everything: the most spetacular animation, the strongest characters, the most complex story, and the best music. Okay, so it may not be appropriate for little kids, big deal. When was the last time you heard a Disney employee say they were making a movie for little kids, anyway? Think about it. Just the movie's animation is enough of a reason to give it five stars. Almost everything, from the statues around the cathedral, to the city errupting in flames, to a sunset seen from Notre Dame's roof, to the church's interior, is absolutly astonishing. It invites you to just jump into the screen and visit 15th century Paris, and the trip is a stunning feast for the eyes. I can't believe it's all on paper and/or computer screen. Living in this world are some of Disney's strongest characters (did I mention that already?). The audience can truly root for the three heros. Quasimodo is Disney's best guy, plain and simple. His goal starts out simple enough: he wants a day of freedom. However, it becomes far more complex after he has fallen in love. It is then when he shows the courage to give his all for another, and the strengh to sacrifice his happiness for hers. Oh gosh, when he sings the heartbreaking "Heaven's Light" about his love for Esmeralda, and the possobility that she might love him back, you will be absolutly moved. Then when the song is repeated as he watches Esmeralda and Phoebus share a passionate kiss, you may very well cry. As for Esmeralda, she is one of Disney's most intruiging heroines. She never hesitates to stand up for what's right, and never hesitates to help someone in need (to say nothing that she never hestitates to kick soldiers.)However, her true personality is revealed in an absolutely beautiful scene where she sings "God Help The Outcasts," a wonderful prayer of hope and selflessness. I still get choked up whenever I hear that song. The only thing about Esmeralda that I really don't understand is why she prefers Phoebus to Quasimodo (I don't think anyone really wants to say "Well he's got a straight back! So of course she prefers him!") As for Phoebus, he (thankfully) got the expected Disney makeover from the wicked guy in the book to a likable soldier with a heart and a conscience. I give the guy thumbs up just for that, but there's more. He refuses an order to kill innocent people, almost getting his head cut off in the process, but setting a positive example for today's boys who might become tomorrow's soldiers (and I desperatly hope tomorrow's soldiers will have better consciences than today's.) I won't repeat what other reviewers said about Frollo, but I will say that he is Disney's most intruiging villian. Deep down, he knows what he's doing is wrong, but he can't face it, so he struggles to convince himself that what he's doing is right. Isn't that how most people will carry out wicked deeds? Oh, and when Frollo sings "Hellfire," about his burning desire for Esmeralda, shivers go down your spine. No, really. Alan Menken outdid himself with the music for this film. From the spellbinding opening song "Bells of Notre Dame" to the closing credits ballad "Someday," the songs are top-notch, and the score adds a layer of depth to the movie (you'll see what I mean if you read what the Latin lyrics mean in the booklet that comes with the soundtrack.) I still can't believe the Oscar people picked "That Thing You Do" over "Someday" for a Best Song nomination. For that matter, I can't believe HUNCHBACK failed to get a Best Picture slot. "Beauty and the Beast" was nominated, but not this! Sometimes I don't know what those guys are thinking. I'd like to go on like this, but I'm running out of space. Trust me, this movie is wonderful. By the time it reaches it's uplifting ending, you'll have witnessed a glorious landmark in Disney history, and for that matter, movie history.
Rating: 
Summary: Very good in many ways, but lacking in others...
Review: Disney almost pulls off terrifically Hugo's epic tale involving Quasimodo and those who involve themselves with him. The problem is that this is not a kid's story and an attempt was made to make it into one...the result is some excellent material but it may frighten children. It has some funny comic relief that doesn't quite fit---it's very good, it just doesn't fit. The cast is well chosen and they all do an excellent job...Demi Moore the sexy but kind hearted Esmerelda, Tom Hulce the kind but shunned Quasimodo, and Tony Jay is paticularly scary in the role of Frollo. The music, while mostly unmemerable, is excellent. Again, because of the material your usual Disney tunes wouldn't fit...the composer/lyricist did an excellent job. The songs/music that does fit the usual Disney genre actually seems out of place...it is the wonderful score and the tune Out There (sung by Tom Hulce) that really stand out. Other notables include Esmerelda's sad/prayerful tune God Help The Outcasts and Clopin's The Bells of Notre Dame.
Rating:
Summary: Hunchback - a beautiful film
Review: Hunchback for me has to be the best disney film I have seen. The story of Quasimodo and Esmerelda battling for recognition as people in an unforgiving society is one that has been beautifully animated. The songs are generally superb with a wonderful gothic feel, and the animation flawless as usual. I must warn anyone thinking of buying this film for younger children that it may be found very scary, and there are suggestive moments occurring in the film, so would suggest watching it first. Warnings over with, I would suggest this film to adults and older children alike who like a film with atmosphere. The feel of being in the cathedral of Notre Dame is so well captured it is worth it for that feel alone!
Rating: 
Summary: Better stories for Disney to adapt
Review: "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is of course, a litereary classic...but was it a wise choice from Disney, to show how cruel people can be? Quasimodo is a wonderfully heroic and kind character...but is the story a good one for kids? For a child to grasp a story, it has to be quickly paced and well drawn. This (I am sad to say) fufills one of its requirments...the drawings in this movie are extraordinary...sometimes looking like real camera shots. Though, at times the story is interesting, it leaves something to be desired. Perhaps this story just isn't a good one to translate from literature to childrens movie...but I enjoyed it to a certain extent...so it wasn't a total failure. After all, isn't enjoyment the most important thing?
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely SPECTACULAR!
Review: It seems to me that the Disney animators nowadays are caught in an eternal dilemma: letting go of the traditional standards to explore deeper into the ways of storytelling while retaining its reputation as the provider of family entertainment. But this one here actually works wonders with a far more mature plot, some very adult situations, and a truly solemn religious message. Here we are treated to such a sweeping tapestry of beautiful graphic art so meticulous and breathtaking I actually feared it to be a work of demons if the whole project was undertaken in just a year. (Disney films get churned out every single year) And we witness the sad, lonely life of Quasimodo, a horribly deformed ward of the cruel Frollo, who could be seen airing his passionate bigotry against all the Gypsies. Despite his outward ugliness, Quasimodo is a very innocent and humble young man with a tender heart as well as his death-defying acrobatic talents among the cathedral's tall spires and flying buttresses. Oh, what joy Quasimodo finally experiences when he gets to partake in the colorful Festival Of Fools full of life-like CGI hordes and thus meet Esmerelda, the stunning Gypsy beauty and the only Disney heroine who looks to be over 25 years old. But - Quasimodo's great exhiliaration soon turns to horror when the wicked Frollo furiously orders that the sexy Esmerelda be put to death and the whole Gypsy population be destroyed altogether. So with help from Phoebus, the equally mature-looking royal guard and the funny gargoyle friends, Quasimodo bravely swings to the very rescue... A truly MARVELOUS piece of acting that you're just beginning to see in an animated feature as well as the usual Disneyesque fare of comic relief characters, theatrical lighting effects, and some soul-baring songs. Yet...I really think Disney Studio should begin creating its very own stories rather than its usual practice of deriving from classic literary works, thus it wouldn't get any more rap from the angry purists and worried parents as well as the sudden avalanche of all those ludicrous kidvid imitations.
Rating:
Summary: An intense film
Review: I have to admit when I first watched this film I did not care for it. I was expecting the typical Disney formula- lots of singing animals and whatnot. What I found was an adult film, adult themes and concepts and a "heroine" drawn in a more appealing to adults manner. HOWEVER, I decided to give it another try and I watched it a few times. The songs are not Aladdin-like for their memorable qualities but their lyrics are intense and set to lovely music. "Out there" and "God Help the Outcasts" were the two best of the film. The animation is excellent and the mood is set extremely well. I thoroughly enjoyed this film but I will agree with some of the others who have said, this time there was not enough done for the kids, it is hard to keep them focused during this movie because even though we grow to love quasimodo he is not a humorous character that kids can enjoy and he doesnt have his sidekicks with him for the bulk of the movie. It is worth adding to your collection despite this but you may want to watch it yourself instead of giving it to the little ones.
|
