Friday, Dec. 18, 1998 | 11:08 a.m.
* Grades: Jeff A; Dave A.
* Starring: The voices of Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Sandra Bullock, Danny Glover, Jeff Goldblum, Steve Martin, Michelle Pfeiffer, Martin Short and Patrick Stewart.
* Screenplay: Phillip Lazebnik.
* Directed by: Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner and Simon Wells.
* Rated PG for mild violence and adult themes.
* Running time: 99 minutes.
* Playing at: Regal Cinemas Texas Station, Regal Cinemas Sunset Station, Regal Cinemas Village Square, Las Vegas Drive In, Century Orleans 12, Century Desert, Cinedome 12 Henderson, UA Showcase mall, UA Rainbow Promenade.
Synopsis:
Meet two men -- brothers and princes of the greatest empire on earth. One will someday rule Egypt. The other will become one of the greatest legends of all time. Fate made them brothers, but the truth will destroy a dynasty and forever separate them -- in faith, heritage and destiny.
Jeff:
Let me begin by saying that at the conclusion of "The Prince of Egypt," I was speechless. Awestruck. It has to been seen to be believed.
This incredible achievement (by newly-formed DreamWorks Animation) has set new standards in the field of animation. They have ushered in a new golden age, and the subject of the their first feature is a story as old as time, about two brothers and the quest for freedom. DreamWorks spared no expense, and every frame is a work of art.
Dave:
If I was the president over at the "Mouse House" (Disney), I'd be worried. Real worried! In the short time DreamWorks has been around, the new kid on the block has been showing its potential and fast earning the respect due a major Hollywood studio.
DreamWorks is already looking to sweep next year's Oscars, with Steven Spielberg's epic "Saving Private Ryan." And executive producer and ex-Disney executive Jeffrey Katzenberg (who brought to life such Disney successes as "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Lion King") makes an impressive break from Disney to create an ambitious animated tale that will send shock waves across the industry.
Jeff:
The best artists, musicians, computer programmers and Hollywood's hottest stars are the successful ingredients of "The Prince of Egypt." It all comes together because of Katzenberg's uncanny attention to the oft-told tale of Moses, its memorable characters and the ingenious direction by Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner and Simon Wells. A story from the Bible? Will that work? You bet!
My condolences to Charlton Heston, because "The Prince of Egypt" is the new "Ten Commandments" and the authority on the exodus of Jews from bondage. The film strikes your sense of wonder from the very beginning, with the rousing musical number "Deliver Us," featuring thousands of slaves moving huge blocks of stone to construct the Pharaoh's shrine (images so vivid and detailed that I thought I could actually smell the mud that holds the bricks together.)
This is followed by an exciting chariot race between Ramses (voiced by Ralph Fiennes) the future leader of the empire and Moses (Val Kilmer), the thoughtful dreamer who is always getting his brother into trouble. Facing the harsh reality that he's the son of a slave, not of the Pharaoh, and that his destiny lies in another direction, Moses seeks out his future in the surrounding desert.
Dave:
I vividly remember, at age 7, watching "The Ten Commandments" for the first time. How incredible the biblical story of Moses' journey from slave to prince to leader had been, and how it inspired me after every viewing. Because animation has always attracted a family audience, particularly children, the story reaches a broader audience and a new generation.
The film's groundbreaking effects will leave audiences absolutely breathless, with seamless animated transitions and astounding aesthetics that would be considered standard live-action camera tricks. The scene in which Moses slams his staff to the ground and parts the Red Sea must be the most mesmerizing animated sequence ever crafted, and assures you that anything is possible.
The world of animation has matured with nearly every animated feature since 1989's "The Little Mermaid," and continues to achieve spectacular results that make it nearly impossible at times to distinguish reality from pen and ink.
Jeff:
Hold it, Dave! The appeal of "Prince of Egypt" is that it wasn't created just for children. In fact, this was made with adults in mind, with its sophisticated drama.
The scene where God sends the angel of death to take the first born of every household is eerie and overwhelming. Moses casts the seven plagues, not one at a time, but it's presented in a stunning musical montage, and you could swear that the locusts are swarming around your head and frogs are hopping around your feet in the theater. When Moses confronts God and the burning bush, gone is the stereotype, a la "The Ten Commandments." In its place is an original interpretation which I will leave for viewers to discover on their own.
These special milestones unveil modern animation to a mature audience and effectively convey the dramatic events of the book of Exodus. Every aspect of the production is of an epic proportion: the musical score by Hans Zimmer (his best to date); the unforgettable songs; the superb casting of the voices; the attention to historical detail and presenting it in a contemporary fashion. It all fits together. If an animated film deserved to win an Academy Award for Best Picture, this is it.
Dave:
Here, here, Jeff. Truly one of the best films to come out of this year, "The Prince of Egypt" will be remembered not only for its amazing technical achievements, but for the magic it possesses, and the inherent challenges it triumphs over. An absolute marvel that deserves the attention of one particular mouse.
NAME THAT FLICK
Our congratulations go out to David Nicks, who guessed correctly that "Kevin!" was spoken by Catherine O'Hara in the modern holiday classic "Home Alone." Way to go, David!
"Name That Flick" -- and the Movie Guys -- will be off for the next two weeks, enjoying the holidays. Our trivia contest will return when we do, on Jan. 8.
Don't forget to pick up this week's issue of The Las Vegas Weekly and check out our exclusive interivew with Brenda Chapeman, co-director of "The Prince of Egypt."
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone!
THE MOVIE GUYS, starring Jeff Howard and Dave Neil, appears Fridays in the Sun (additional material provided by Thomas Feeney). It will return Jan. 8. You can also read their capsule reviews of movies in Las Vegas Weekly magazine. Plus, check them out online at lasvegassun.com/sun/sunlife/movies.
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