The Hunchback of Notre Dame-One Ugly Movie
Disney loves borrowing from history or well known works with high name recognition. Aladdin comes to mind, Pocahontas and the list goes on and on. Unfortunately we the audience members pay the price for this lack of creativity and imagination, but people take their kids to see these movies regardless of the quality of the manipulative scripts or animation. But, that's Hollywood.
This is really just a lackluster money grab about everyone's favorite disfigured freak that rings a bell in a tower. Quasimodo, played well by Tom Hulse, who had to be happy for the work, is a well constructed character, but the animation is just so-so.
Overall, its more of a slap in the face to Victor Hugo than anything else and I am surprised that with all of history to pillage through that Disney decided to rip off Hunchback as it just seems like there are so many other stories that could be told. Yet, it had many of the elements that Disney loves to revisit with every chance they get, such as the isolated misunderstood loner and so-forth.
The success of the film, as it pulled in around $300-$350 million dollars, is really extremely simple, it is a animated Disney people and Disney is in the wonderful position of having parents turn off their brains and take their kids to see these movies whether they are any good or not. Basically, its almost like paying taxes isn't it? However, since the films 1996 release there has been increasing competition for the animated film dollar, which ultimately will assist Disney in creating a slightly better product. Lucky for all of us however, there was a direct to video sequel called The Hunchback of Notre Dame 2. Now, you know your in a interesting situation when you can't tell if something is a joke or real.
Story D-
Acting B
Visuals B
Originality/Innovation D
Enjoyability Grade C/D (Adults will be in some pain but younger kids may coast through its manipulative mind numbing plot.)
Home Theater/HD Factor B
Overall Grade C/D- (C for the little ones, D- for the suffering big ones.)
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