Fantasia 2000
MPAA Rating: G
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Entertainment: +3
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Content: -1/2
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Disney's new FANTASIA 2000 explodes onto IMAX screens January 1, 2000 to the sounds of Beethovens Fifth Symphony. A sequel to the original presented in 1940, this update adds seven new musical segments enhanced by the latest in sound and visual technology. Each segment is introduced by entertainment icons -- comedian Steve Martin, violinist Itzhak Perlman, jazz musician Quincy Jones, singer Bette Midler, actor James Earl Jones, magicians Penn and Teller, conductor James Levine and actress Angela Lansbury. Respighi's "Pines of Rome" provides a delightful backdrop for a breathtaking seascape filled with computerized seagulls and whales frolicking among the icebergs but then take flight. A 1930s New York City scene for Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" uses clever cartoon figures to depict city life through the eyes of both blue- and white-collar workers, the wealthy and the down-and-out. A comical flock of pink flamingos delights all ages in the "Carnival of Animals" segment. "Pomp and Circumstance" presents a humorous, but moving story of Noah's Ark featuring Donald and Daisy Duck. Donald herds the animals, two-by-two on to and out of the ark as that wonderful graduation march is played. FANTASIA 2000 is imaginative, colorful and exciting. However, in the IMAX format, the music occasionally overpowers and some images appear dark and sinister. Parents should use discretion in taking very young children to see it. And a general theater release is scheduled later in the year.
Every child's friend, Mickey Mouse, stars in "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," the only segment from the original FANTASIA. Mickey finds the magic hat of a sorcerer and decides to speed his chores with magic. Soon hes in water over his head. Some frightening scenes and the use of magic may mislead children and upset parents. An evil Jack-in-the-box in the Steadfast Tin Soldier story is also upsetting for children. The final animation uses Igor Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite" for its backdrop. In a metaphoric story, an elk appears as the father of earth with a beautiful fairy-like spirit who represents new life. Her touch causes the earth to bloom in spring-like array. But when she awakens the firebird, his flight causes molten lava to cover the earth, destroying all life and beauty. His appearance is frightening, and the intense music swells to an almost deafening crescendo. It also reflects disturbing elements of the New Age concept of earth worship, which could mislead viewers. While most of FANTASIA 2000 is a wonderful experience, its G-rating implies it is appropriate for young children. However, intense music and sorcery as entertainment can be frightening, misleading and often beyond their comprehension. This forces a slightly negative acceptability rating.
Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Buena Vista (Disney), 350 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA 91521
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Summary
The following categories contain objective listings of film content which contribute to the subjective numeric Content ratings posted to the left and on the Home page.
Crude Language: None
Obscene Language: None
Profanity: None
Violence: Several times - Moderate (evil jack-in-box captures ballerina, tries to destroy toy soldier; firebird sends hot lava over land destroying all life, frightening images in dark tunnels)
Sex: None
Nudity: None
Sexual Dialogue/Gesture: None
Drugs: None
Other: Sorcery implied as real and good, magic powers transferred to character; New Age concept of earth worship
Running Time: 74 minutes
Intended Audience: Ages 6 and older
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