These pigeons don't fly.
Valiant (2005)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:106
Fresh:33
Rotten:73
Average Rating:5/10
Consensus: Valiant has a good collection of voice talents, but the story is strictly by-the-numbers.
Theatrical Release:2005
Box Office: $19,355,116
Synopsis: From the producer of "Shrek" and "Shrek 2," comes this high-flying computer-animated comedy-adventure tale of a brave-but-undersized pigeon named Valiant (voiced by Ewan McGregor), who dreams of... From the producer of "Shrek" and "Shrek 2," comes this high-flying computer-animated comedy-adventure tale of a brave-but-undersized pigeon named Valiant (voiced by Ewan McGregor), who dreams of joining the elite Royal Homing Pigeon Service (RHPS), and serving crown and country during World War II. Despite his small stature, Valiant’s ambitions are enormous as he keeps a stiff upper beak and endures rigorous training in preparation for a dangerous mission to deliver vital messages to troops behind enemy lines. With a shortage of wingpower in the royal fleet due to increased attacks by a brigade of vicious enemy falcons (led by the ruthless General Von Talon), the mission falls to Valiant and the unlikely heroes of "Squad F" to try and save the day. With a wing and a prayer, Valiant and his fine feathered pals fly into harm’s way and prove that it’s not the size of the wingspan that counts, but the size of the spirit. Filled with adventure, comedy and memorable characters, "Valiant" delivers great entertainment for audiences of all ages. John Cleese, Tim Curry, Jim Broadbent, and an all-star vocal cast of British favorites also add to the fun and excitement of this imaginative feature. The film was inspired by the fact that pigeons saved thousands of lives during the war, and 31 of the 53 top honors given to animal heroes went to pigeons. [More]
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Hugh Laurie, Ricky Gervais, Tim Curry
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Hugh Laurie, Ricky Gervais, Tim Curry, Jim Broadbent, John Cleese, John Hurt, Rik Mayall, Olivia Williams, Pip Torrens, Jonathan Ross
Director: Gary Chapman
Director: Gary Chapman
Producer: John H. Williams
Screenwriter: Jordan Katz
Composer: George Fenton
Screenwriter: George Webster, George Melrod
Studio: Buena Vista Pictures
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Reviews for Valiant
Valiant never takes flight. This Disney animated war film is dull and ugly.
Even though its historical references and battle scenes may fly over their heads like so many homing pigeons, kids will enjoy Valiant, too, if only for its nonstop action and lively visual design.
Despite a handful of good aerial 'birdfight' sequences, 'Valiant' fails to get off the ground due to a by-numbers script and dodo-ugly character design that add up to less than one would expect from 'Shrek' producer John H. WilliamsJohn H. William.
This cleverly told animated World War II adventure aims high and scores a pretty lofty goal.
Not only is the pacing less hyper, the humour less pop-cult savvy and the story almost creakily old-fashioned [than a Pixar production], it even looks like it was made in a cloudier climate: the dominant colours are muted blues and greys.
Though it's made with wit, style and sweetness, it may be a tricky match for American audiences.
A passable animated feature that will entertain small children, but feels as if it was thrown together quickly.
The picture often lacks the essential wackiness needed to please young audiences.
It's watchable. But try explaining all of this not-particularly funny adult history, humor and clutter to a child.
Apart from the puns and regurgitation jokes, the story of a group of carrier pigeons on a death-defying mission in 1944 Europe will fly over the heads of actual youngsters.
Stick to the genuinely delightful Chicken Run -- this one's for the birds.
Valiant is a movie that is trying to be an homage but winds up a pale imitation.
It's no Shrek, but what Valiant lacks in looks, it makes up for with its perky winged heroes and high-flying concept.
Valiant is amiable enough, but there's little in the humor or story that could be considered fresh.
Take all the movie money you've just saved and buy the kiddies a good book.
Well-intentioned but woefully bland and forgettable, this oddball concoction might appeal to pre-teen military buffs, if there are any out there.
It's tempting then to call this U.S.-British-produced endeavor an odd duck. Except that Valiant uses nearly every pun in the book.
The thought of this motley crew in the recording studio, laying down vocal tracks and cracking each other up, is far more entertaining than anything in the film.
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