Anastasia MPAA Rating: G Entertainment: +3 Content: +3

In Anastasia, Twentieth Century Fox has created a magical, fast moving and sometimes frightening animated fairy tale. Loosely based on actual events surrounding the Romanov ruling family in Imperial Russia in 1916, it tells the story of the violent overthrow of their royal rule and the adventures of the Czar's young daughter, Anastasia, (voice of Meg Ryan). Anastasia and her grandmother, Empress Marie (voice of Angela Landsbury), are among the few Romanovs who survive the revolution. Marie escapes to her home in Paris, but Anastasia is left behind as a wandering orphan. Ten years later, Anastasia becomes acquainted with two enterprising Russian men, Dimitri (voice of John Cusack) and Vladmir (voice of Kelsey Grammer) who think she could be the lost princess. Anastasia has only vague memories of her early youth, but the trio set out on an adventuresome journey to Paris to see the Empress Marie. If Anastasia really is the princess, Dimitri and Vladmir will receive a large reward. During their journey, they manage to survive a runaway train, violent storms and attacks by evil spirits sent by Rasputin, a mortal enemy of the Romanovs who wants revenge against them. And along the way, Anastasia and Dimitri find themselves falling in love. Their stay in Paris is a delightful experience and they celebrate their visit with song and dance numbers featuring Anastasia and the local populace. But the treacherous Rasputin arrives on the scene to destroy Anastasia. He employs fierce, demonic powers and creatures to attack her, but comes to a horrifying, violent end himself. Rasputin's violence is softened somewhat by a comical wisecracking albino bat who accompanies him. The Empress eventually recognizes Anastasia as her long lost princess grandchild and celebrates her return with a colorful grand ball in a sumptuous Parisian palace. The snowy Russian scenery, action packed drama and delightful musical numbers will enchant and intrigue young and old alike. To a large extent, though, this love story will appeal primarily to older children, teenagers and adults. It's animation and musical numbers are superb and it is likely to be a major box office success.

Although a romance develops between Anastasia and Dimitri, happily there is no sexual content in the film. A final kiss is the nearest event to sexual content and overall a high moral tone is maintained throughout the film. A few scenes featuring a buxom blonde in a low cut dress add a touch of near nudity to the film. With the exception of Rasputin and his demonic spirits, most of the characters are genteel and no foul language is used. Rasputin is portrayed as a grotesque sorcerer who clearly employs violent occultic powers and puts a curse on the Romanovs to destroy them and Anastasia. However, his powers are portrayed as evil and not condoned. It's unlikely he would entice any viewers into witchcraft. And he is overcome by the forces of good. At times, Anastasia finds herself in very perilous situations such as on a runaway train headed for a blown up bridge and Rasputin almost succeeds in throwing her into a raging river. The intense action and displays of occultic powers could be too frightening for young children, but older children, teenagers and adults will probably not find it excessive. With the caution about young children attending, Anastasia is reasonably acceptable family viewing.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: 20th Century Fox, 10201 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90035