‘Dinosaur’ A ‘Visual Masterpiece’

Mon., June 19, 2000

Tyler Wilson Coeur D'Alene

Disney has always been for the kids. Recently, with the aid of new advances in animation, Disney has been able to rise above the stereotype and deliver compelling and amazing films for everyone.

“Dinosaur” features the same type of animation used in quite possibly the best-animated films ever, “Toy Story” and its sequel. In addition to the stunning realism of the computer-animated dinosaurs, the backgrounds are live action, which creates a stunning look.

Visuals, as many films have proved, aren’t always enough to save a film from bland storytelling and bad dialogue. But “Dinosaur” overcomes the skepticism of those who’ve attacked it. Characters, though classic Disney-style, are workable and sometimes endearing, creating cartoons that the audience wants to care about.

Though the story follows a series of events seen too many times (an orphan’s coming of age, etc.), when drawn on such a large scale, the film works wonderfully, and it truly becomes an experience too compelling to not lose yourself in.

“Dinosaur” is a visual masterpiece, but so was “Godzilla.” The difference between the two lies in “Dinosaur’s” ability to tell a story and not consume one.

Grade: B+

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