Disney's 'Valiant' ploy
When the Mouse House sidestepped its animation partner and teamed with another studio for this new cartoon, the results were pretty much for the birds.
By STEVE PERSALL
Published August 18, 2005
The World War 'toon Valiant gives Pixar Animation Studios terrific leverage in extending contract negotiations with Disney, simply because Pixar didn't make this lackluster movie.
A little back story: Pixar's animated hits have been saving graces for Disney through rough financial times, allowing the company to imprint its brand (and equally share profits) on such blockbusters as Toy Story, The Incredibles and Finding Nemo. The companies' partnership expires in November. Pixar wants - and deserves - a larger share of profits under a new deal. Disney likes to pretend it's still in the driver's seat.
Part of Disney's charade involved buying distribution rights for Valiant, the first production from the United Kingdom's Vanguard Animation. If the movie delivers Pixar-level quality and box office numbers, who needs Pixar? However, the quality isn't there, and the revenues probably won't be, either. Even Disney's promotion of the movie has been uncharacteristically subdued, as if the studio won't throw good money after bad.
Valiant will never be mistaken for a Pixar production. The computer animation is unimaginative, the screenplay almost devoid of warmth and wit. Disney's logo and reputation will attract families for a few days, but not enough to make Pixar worry about its position.
The movie deals with anthropomorphic pigeons flying message delivery missions for the British army during a conflict that resembles World War II. Valiant (voice of Ewan McGregor) is an undersize bird who dreams of joining the elite Royal Air Force Homing Pigeons Service. Valiant will eventually be thrust into duty against sinister Nazi-like falcons led by Von Talon (Tim Curry).
If you're expecting a cracking war movie spoof along the lines of Chicken Run, you're placing too much confidence in this movie. Valiant piles on the obvious ornithology puns and sight gags - literally, when it's feeding time - that barely raised chuckles among an advance screening audience (and they got in for free). The animation lacks Pixar's fluidity and range. The only compliment Valiant earns is for its short running time.
Vanguard's lack of ambition is affirmed by a closing note that informs viewers of the Dickin medal, presented during World War II and its aftermath to 54 animals for their valor. Carrier pigeons earned the most - 32 - but dogs, horses and a cat also received Dickin medals. Imagine the movie Pixar animators might have created from such a diverse menagerie. You can bet that their negotiating lawyers will.
ValiantGrade: D
Director: Gary Chapman
Cast: Voices of Ewan McGregor, Ricky Gervais, Tim Curry, Jim Broadbent, John Cleese, Hugh Laurie, John Hurt
Screenplay: Jordan Katz, George Webster, George Melrod
Rating: G; crude humor
Running time: 76 min.