So much average

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

The best way to do a Sinbad film is as if it is a fantastical road- movie and one that takes him to some interesting places while we see some fun monsters. That is what this DreamWorks take on the character does well. There is main goal at the centre of the film holding it all together, but it effectively sees Sinbad travel to various exotic places and battles mythical creatures. Sinbad and the other main characters aren't that interesting, so crafting a plot line like that works greatly to the films advantage.The relatively straight-forward story sees Sinbad and his crew attempt to retrieve the 'book of peace' from the Goddess of chaos Eris in order to save the life of his best friend. It's nothing gripping, but it moves things along well enough. Sinbad (an okay Brad Pitt) does a serviceable job as our hero. He is charming and has some funny lines, but he is a quite bland. We don't really know anything about him and he doesn't have any features that make him interesting. An ambassador named Marina (Catherine Zeta-Jones) joins them and she is a fun female lead, she's thoughtful but tough enough to get things done. The rest of the crew are just forgettable, however I do find Kale's exchanges with Sinbad funny and Rat has some humorous moments.The best feature of the film is easily Eris. Not because she's overly complex, but mostly because of the fantastic design and Michelle Pfeiffer's engrossing vocal work. Her movements are animated beautifully, the way she spirals and shape shifts is just great to watch. Every time the character shows up on screen it is gripping and Pfeiffer's seductive voice is just perfect for the part.This is the last 2-D animated film that DreamWorks have done and it looks fantastic for the most part. The seas look vast and mysterious, while the locations are well designed whether it be bright or wintery. Places like Tartarus and Eris' realm are effectively designed. Some of the CGI used can standout against the backgrounds as seen with the Eris' sea monster which looks a little ropey. But elsewhere it looks great, especially with the design of the Roc. The action and the swordplay is always suitably energetic too. The score by Harry Gregson-Williams fits the film nicely and does a solid job of conveying the adventure or threat that is taking place on screen. The jokes and the dialogue is rather inconsistent. Some of the more 'modern' speak and puns do fall quite flat, but some of the jokes can be a lot of fun. I'd have preferred it if they had kept a more timeless way of speaking. The interactions between the crew can be funny and you do get a sense of comradery between them. Sinbad and Marina do have chemistry, yet it is clear where they're story is going. They argue a lot and are competitive, but you know that they'll hook up in the end. Some subtle changes to the formula would have made the film more engaging.However, for what it is Sinbad is an enjoyable adventure romp and delivers pretty much everything you would expect a film of this type to. On the whole it is rather hit and miss, but what it does well it does really well. While Sinbad might not be a great hero, Eris makes for a great villain. The animation is very good, the creatures are fun and action is always entertaining. Some elements are a touch weak, but the focus is kept on moving the film along and in the end it is an enjoyable piece.

Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003): Dir: Tim Johnson, Patrick Gilmore / Voices: Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michelle Pfeiffer, Joseph Fiennes, Dennis Haysbert: Exciting and adventurous animation in the inspiring texture of Ray Harryhausen's Seventh Voyage of Sinbad and Golden Voyage of Sinbad. When Goddess Eris steals the book of peace Sinbad is suspected due too his nature as a thief. He is saved from death when a childhood friend is up next for the throne and he takes Sinbad's place save Sinbad retrieve the book. He gathers a crew and the unwelcome presence of a female who rescues them on more than one occasion. They encounter hideous monsters including an island that turns out to be a giant fish, and a giant bird with human prey in mind. Even the ending is clever boarding on suspense. Well directed by Tim Johnson and Patrick Gilmore with great animated detail. Voice talents led by Brad Pitt as Sinbad who must accept responsibility for his actions. Michelle Pfeiffer voices the scheming Eris who impersonates Sinbad to steal the book then sends several monsters to prevent his victory. Catherine Zeta-Jones voices the heroine who is Sinbad's friend's fiancé. Joseph Fiennes voices his friend who nearly sacrifices himself. It is an animated reflection upon classic Sinbad and it is pretty much the best version of the classic tale that one can ask for. Score: 10 / 10

Bandit of the seas Sinbad (Brad Pitt) is tricked by Greek goddess of chaos Eris (Michelle Pfeiffer). She steals the magical Book of Peace and he's framed for the thief. Sinbad is sentenced to death. His childhood friend Prince Proteus (Joseph Fiennes) of Syracuse is a straight arrow, and he takes the place of Sinbad for his punishment. Sinbad is given 10 days to return the book or else Prince Proteus will be put to death. Proteus' fiancée Marina (Catherine Zeta-Jones) stowaway on Sinbad's ship while he debates whether to runaway to Fiji.This is a DreamWorks animation. It has the looks of a 2-D animation along with CG. It looks like a cheaper straight to video animation. This money loser signals a change over to the CG world. The story lacks suspense or magic, but it seems just good enough. The big name voices doesn't help anything. The high seas adventure is reasonable but rambling. The lack of moral backbone is very trying.

When I first saw Sinbad years ago, I thought this would be an animated ripoff of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie that came out. It turned out to be more decent than I thought this would be. They should have made a sequel to this movie because I would have enjoyed it.This is about some pirate who is blamed for stealing the Book of Life even though he didn't do it. His mission is to claim the book back from the Goddess Eris in Tartarus and save the life of the prince.The voice acting is quite pleasant. I was able to recognize the voices of Brad Pitt and Catherine Zeta-Jones.The animation is pretty good. It's not as breathtaking like some of today's animated films. But it's good enough.Overall, this is a decent, swashbuckling film. I would like to see a sequel but too bad. I rate this film 8/10.