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Valiant [2005]
![Valiant [2005]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PRJA8TQKL._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £19.99
Our Price: £1.64 (subject to change)
A classic fun movie
Review date: 2008-09-23 Rating: 8 out of 10
a classic
good quality fun
(too old for a full review)
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Reviews
Watchable once for adults, a treat for small children.
Review date: 2007-02-07 Rating: 8 out of 10
This is an animated adventure about heroic homing pigeons who are fighting for freedom during WW2.
Because the standard of animated films is getting so high, these films have to be very good indeed to impress adults. I thought it was OK the first time I watched it with my children, though no better than that. However, as I write this review my children are currently watching it for the third time at their request. Holding the attention of a pair of five year olds for the length of even a short film (it's about 76 minutes) is quite an achievement.
The title character is a tiny pigeon, voiced by Ewan McGregor, who is determined to be a hero. He joins the Royal Homing Pigeon service, and finds himself serving with a band of misfits who have to get messages through in the face of the german falcons.
The cast and plot takes the mickey out of many war stories, and fans of wartime comedies such Blackadder goes Forth, 'Allo 'Allo, and especially "It ain't half hot, Mum" will recognise characters from these shows reincarnated as pigeons.
The voice cast, which also includes Hugh Laurie, Ricky Gervais, Tim Curry, and John Cleese, do a professional and sometimes very amusing job of recreating all the wartime film stereotypes.
At the very end of the film shows a short written statment is displayed about the true history of animal bravery during world war 2, which I found strangely moving.
I don't think this film would have been great value for money if bought at the original full price. However, having initially rented it, and then on establishing that my children liked it, put it on the list to buy when it became available cheaply, I'm happy that the pleasure they gained from watching it did justify the relatively limited outlay.
Average but enjoyable pigeon adventure
Review date: 2006-08-06 Rating: 6 out of 10
Through the use of CGI this sweet story about patriotic pigeons brings smiles and occasional laughs to the heart of the viewing audience.
Its an interesting concept for the animation industry to preach through dopy creatures in pigeons about loyalty to your country. Using this method many audiences may fail to take it seriously. It is comedy genre but nevertheless you would have thought the film would want to be taken seriously on some level, especially with such heavy issues as those.
Valiant centres on patriotism and brings frequent emphasis to `what is right' in society. The movie preaches through the brave little pigeon `Valiant' who wishes to enrol in the Royal Pigeon Service.
Highly predictable and unfunny for many older audiences but younger audiences will love the film as the pigeons have frequent meetings with physical objects, rude child centred humour and the general movements of the animated characters combine to make much lovable animals.
The effects are stunning. The CGI used to create the film are used to full effect as we have many different characters such as the Falcons, Pigeons and scenery all combining to create a visually stunning film. The attention to detail for the scenery has to be admired.
The story was well thought out but at many scenes the plot failed to captivate the audience. The majority of action scenes are predictable and over exaggerated but all combine to create a fast moving and chucklesome comedy animation for all ages though the film succeeds in winning the hearts of younger audiences.
The voices of Gervais, McGregor and Cleese are all recognized and are funny, especially from Cleese who audiences will immediately recognize his Fawlty Towers routine is used occasionally to bring a smile to the faces of audiences. Gervais to uses his typical laid back attitude to one of the more likable characters Bugsy.
The stereotypes of villains were probably predictably going to be Falcons but are still interesting as they dive their claws into the central plot. The lexis used by these villains is typical but believable and enjoyable to witness how the 'good guys (or pigeons) deal with them
Having the film in different settings such as the training camp was a very effective method. In the camp we get to see human elements such as weight lifts changed into animal elements where they use apples instead of weights. These ideologies are very cleverly thought of and bring the occasional chuckle.
A highly over-exaggerated ending that will make viewers question the realism of it but highyl fast and exciting
Not a buyer as we see more interesting CGI family adventures such as 'The Incredibles' but worth watching with the family
Boring and lacks engagement. Compulsory adverts.
Review date: 2006-08-06 Rating: 4 out of 10
I would not recommend this because the story is just not interesting, the dubbing is somehow wrong so that it is not even clear which character is speaking even though you can see it on screen. Compulsory adverts at the start of the disk that you cannot turn off and if you stop and go back later, yes you've got to watch the adverts before you can resume!
Just OK
Review date: 2006-07-05 Rating: 4 out of 10
We just rented this and I was disappointed with it. On paper, it should be excellent - you've got some amazing talent: Ewan McGregor, Ricky Gervais, Hugh Laurie, John Cleese, Jim Broadbent, Tim Curry, John Hurt and Rik Mayall. In one scene, you have Ricky "The Office" Gervais and John "Fawlty Towers" Cleese together and I thought to myself: "if ever there was a chance for some comedy gold then this is it". But nothing. I can't help but feel this should have been so much better.
I fear that we have reached the stage were big studios seem to think that a movie being computer-generated is enough of a selling point. Of course, it's not! The reason Toy Story is so successful has nothing to do with it being computer animated, but rather the story and the script.
Bottom line: rent if you really want to see it, but don't get your hopes up.
Product Details/Specifications
Director(s):
Recording label: Entertainment in Video
Manufacturer: Entertainment in Video
EAN: 5017239193071
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Anamorphic, Animated, PAL,
Release date: 2005-11-07
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Audience rating: Universal, suitable for all
Region code: 2
Running time: 73 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2005
Language: English (Original Language)