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Anastasia (1997)
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Reviews Counted:47
Fresh:40
Rotten:7
Average Rating:7.2/10
Consensus: Beautiful animation, an affable take on Russian history, and strong voice performances make Anastasia a winning first film from Fox animation studios.
Runtime: 1 hr 40 mins
Genre: Childrens
Synopsis: Based on the legend of the real-life daugher of the last Russian czar, ANASTASIA combines imaginative animation and lively songs to tell the story of a princess who escapes a horrible execution and... Based on the legend of the real-life daugher of the last Russian czar, ANASTASIA combines imaginative animation and lively songs to tell the story of a princess who escapes a horrible execution and mysteriously reappears after being thought dead. When a team of swindlers, Dimitri (John Cusack) and Vladimir (Kelsey Grammer), recruit Anya (Meg Ryan), a spunky amnesiac orphan, in their plot to defraud the Dowager Empress (Angela Lansbury) with a faux Romanov heir, little do they know their carefully coached fake is the real thing. But the resurgence of the long-lost Anastasia also attracts the attention of the scary Rasputin (Christopher Lloyd), who, with his hilarious sidekick, Bartok the bat (Hank Azaria), schemes to do in the last Romanov. Though much lighter (thankfully for children) than the 1956 Anatole Litvak-directed ANASTASIA adapted from Marcelle Maurette's play, this movie is still packed with thrills, chills, and romance. The first animated feature from 20th Century Fox, the film is directed by longtime collaborators Don Bluth and Gary Goldman. [More]
Starring: Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Christopher Lloyd
Starring: Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Christopher Lloyd, Hank Azaria, Bernadette Peters, Kirsten Dunst, Angela Lansbury, Liz Callaway, Lacey Chabert, Jim Cummings, Andrea Martin, Debra Mooney, Arthur Malet
Director: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman
Director: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman
Composer: David Newman
Producer: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman
Composer: Stephen Flaherty
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Reviews for Anastasia
Any film that echoes the landscape of Doctor Zhivago is hard to dislike for too long.
While the movie is visually stunning, the characterizations and music are a bit weak.
I'm not sure there was this much singing in Mother Russia, but the film isn't overly wretched.
The Mouse still rules the world of animation. But if he looks over his shoulder, he'll see a Fox gaining on him.
The whole process of watching Anastasia is a thoroughly enjoyable one, and it proves that any studio willing to put forth the time, money, and effort can match Disney.
Unfortunately, in the company of such cinematic royalty as "The Little Mermaid," "Pocahontas" and "The Lion King," "Anastasia," like the real-life woman who inspired it, seems like a pretender rather than a contender.
It wouldn't work without the fabulous cast. Ryan brings a fieriness to her role that we haven't seen (well, heard) from her in awhile, and Cusack is an able foil.
What redeems Anastasia from its dramatic slackness and drab songs are the performances from the actors.
Its optical flourishes and attention to detail aim for the Disney gold standard and, for the most part, come pretty darn close.
It's an enjoyable 90 minutes, but it never approaches the so-beautiful-you-have-to-cry sequences that have become Disney's trademark...
The style is more live-action Broadway and MGM, with background characters forming a full-on dance chorus, spontaneously breaking into heavily choreographed moves.
Frankly, even with the extra money, Bluth's team doesn't have the pizzazz of Disney.
A charming little movie, nothing to write home about but a perfectly acceptable way to while away a rainy Sunday afternoon with the child, or children, in your life.
Having something for everyone seems to be a driving force for this film.
A promising launch for Fox's new animation studio, which has declared war on Disney.
A visually rich and extremely well-constructed story which shows a little nerve.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 95% 95% | Star Trek |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 78% 78% | The Hangover |
| 49% 49% | Taking Woodstock |
| 26% 26% | The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard |
| 47% 47% | The Girl From Monaco |
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