Hey, everyone. "Moriarty" here with some Rumblings From The Lab.

Dreamworks appears to have kicked the SINBAD test screenings into high gear now. This is our second review from the second screening in as many weeks. Word is encouraging so far, and I’ll let “Big Brother” explain to you what he liked about what he saw:

Hi Harry and Moriarty--

I saw the review last week on your site for DreamWorks' SINBAD. Me and my little brother went to another screening of it this afternoon here in Sacramento.

Only about 75% of the film was finished and the rest was in black and white, but walking out of SINBAD all I could think is that with the recent weak regular animated movies, this movie will bring 2-D animation back to life. Don't get me wrong, I really liked SPIRITED AWAY and TREASURE PLANET, but after unimpressing movies like TITAN AE, THE ROAD TO EL DORADO and LILO & STITCH, I can see why studios are doing more CGI movies like ICE AGE, SHREK and MONSTERS INC. Not only do these movies look great, the stories are great too and they make a ton of money. SINBAD has the great story and takes 2-D animation to the next level... yeah, it incorporates some CGI in there, but for the most part, the animation and action captures you from minute one to the closing scene!

When the guy in front of the movie theatre gave me the pass to the movie starring Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michelle Pfeiffer, I was all over it and since it's animated, I made my little 9 year old bro come with me. This movie follows Sinbad (Brad Pitt), a thieving pirate/traveler on his quest to get the Book of Peace back from the evil Eris played by Michelle Pfeifer, the powerful Goddess of Chaos. She framed Sinbad by posing as him to steal the book so to save face, he goes on his journey to get it back and to save the world. On his voyage, he comes across Marina (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and takes a liking to her. She however, is the girlfriend of his childhood friend, played by Joseph Fiennes. She is on board to make sure he doesn't run away and tries to get the book back. Many humorous, action packed and breathtaking scenes follow.

The part that stood out the most for me was how great Eris was. DreamWorks added a freshness to animation by stepping up and delivering one of the greatest animated villains since Grand Jafar in ALADDIN. She is ruthless, sexy and funny. The way she is animated is just so amazing, you truly have to see it for yourself. She was like living smoke. Sinbad was very funny, kind of in the likes of an animated Westley (Cary Elwes) from THE PRINCESS BRIDE. Marina was a cool side-kick that didn't take away from the flow of the film. Every time you think Sinbad and her are about to kiss, more action is thrown at you. My brother's favorite character was Sinbad's dog and side-kick, Spike. Spike adds a lot of the humor that kids will enjoy where Sinbad and Eris add the humor that adults will enjoy!

The adventure, the look and the pacing reminded me of the INDY films and Disney's ALADDIN. The movie is kind of like if you hooked up with Aladdin ten years later, ditched the irritating Genie, and bought him a boat and a dog. The monsters (Giant Squid, the Sirens, Giant Hawk, etc.) are so cool, the characters are great and the story is great and enjoyable for both kids and adults! I really think it has the legs to stand with all of the other big summer movies! On a scale of one to ten, I'd give it a nine and my little brother said he'd give it an eleven! This movie is so full of action and substance from scene one to the end credits, I just cannot wait to see it again when it's finished!

Big Brother

If ALADDIN is the back wall of the ballpark that Katzenberg wants to hit this one over, it’s an admirable goal, and it sounds like people have been excited by what they’ve seen so far.

"Moriarty" out.