When I heard Dreamworks was coming out with a movie on Moses, I envisioned an agonizing TV miniseries, starring either a superficial hunk or an old guy with a white curly beard. No way was I prepared for what I saw and heard.

When I heard it would be animated, I groaned. Now we'll be subjected to 3 hours of cartoon about one of the greatest figures in history.

But still, I was intrigued. How would they portray him? Would they remain faithful to the story? Would they twist the One and Only "I am" of the Hebrews (for those who have no clue what I'm talking about, read Exodus 3), into a pantheistic mess of "all gods are God"? So I went to the theater and watched it.

From the first moment of soft, wistful melody, to the very end where Moses stands on the mountain and holds the Ten Commandments before a crowd of millions, I was entranced. With The Prince of Egypt, Dreamworks has produced a level of animation unprecedented by any other movie company. I know I've just offended die-hard Disney fans there, but it's true. There's no other way to describe it: I was amazed at the remarkable protrayal of different ethnic groups. I mean, we're talking the Middle East here--not many animators could have drawn the distinction between an Egyptian and a Midianite--but Dreamworks did.

What makes this film so spectacular? Let's find out...


The Plot

Sure, people who are only interested in summer slasher movies or something like that will be bored stiff by this movie, but everybody else--and I mean EVERYBODY--will be stuck to their seats by the ageless story of wonder. There really are moments for everyone. The moving scenes of slavery and separation at the beginning will touch those who long for peace and unity. The kids will be attracted by the bright colors, multiple songs, and occasional comic scenes. The parents will be kept amused by the sly inside jokes and hilarious background lines. The music lovers will be in Music Heaven--no faults with the performance by Hans Zimmer or Steven Schwartz. Christians, Jews, and Muslims will be honored by this poignant, personal look at a great religious figure.

The story's really about Moses, Rameses, and God. It involved Moses's struggle to find out who he really is, to find where he belongs, to find his purpose. Of course, this identity search theme has been used a million times over, but never before has it involved falling down a well and being left there by your future wife. (If you're getting more bewildered by the minute--well, go watch the movie).


The Characters

Moses is no white-beard-toting patriarch here. We're talking a reckless, good-looking prince at the opening; a struggling young man searching for his identity in the middle; and a courageous, tender-hearted leader at the end.

Rameses (don't ask me to spell that) is a very finely-drawn character as well. I love the way they develop his relationship with Moses. It is surprisingly touching to witness his transformation from a loving brother to a hating stranger. In the beginning he is so likeable, so open, you can't help wishing things would stay that way. That is Moses's wish as well...but God has a different plan.

Pharaoh is appropriately majestic; the Queen is sweet and kind in her own way; and Hotep and Huy--mmm, they deserve a paragraph of their own. But for lack of time I'll just say they keep you laughing.

Yochaved (Moses's mother) is only shown for a brief minute, but her face and her lullaby are woven through the entire film, and you're never allowed to forget her. Miriam (his sister) is awesome; strong, loving, capable, persistent, and--a first for animation--she's petite. Wow, talk about getting out of stereotypes.

And his eventually wife, Tzipporah (pronounced "Zip-POUR-ah), is pretty cool, although she gets on my nerves sometimes. The only character I thought they could have done better on was Aaron, Moses's brother, who until the end is a whining, underconfidant, fair-weather friend. Not at all like the noble High Priest of the Bible.


The Cast

Closely tied in with the characters, this movie sports a star-studded cast that only adds to the magic. Val Kilmer does a wonderful job as Moses, and helps to revitalize a character that could have been seen as old-mannish is done by an older actor. Patrick Stewart (yaayy!) plays Pharaoh, it goes without saying he does an EXCELLENT job. Sandra Bullock is Miriam, and plays her role with great spirit. Michelle Ffeifer, I think, did her best but wasn't quite right for the role. But that's just my opinion.

Martin Short and Steve Martin are fabulous as the twosome comic act. I can't remember who plays Rameses, but whoever he is, the edgy English accent is perfect for the character.


The Music

I could not imagine a better score or a more appropriate addition to this movie than the one provided by Hans Zimmer. The melodies are overwhelmingly powerful and sweet with a Middle-Eastern tang. Once in a while the characters burst into song, and the one that stands out in my mind is "Let My People Go" which is a passionate interchange between Moses, Rameses, and an unseen chorus, as plagues fall upon the land of Egypt. The big hit from this movie is "When You Believe," which on the CD is performed by pop stars Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. But the other songs are almost as good, each conveying an emotion that enhances the tension and drama of the movie.


The Visuals

Stunning, enjoyable, magical, theatrical, rich, quirky, perfect. Okay, do I have to elaborate? Fine. "I quite enjoyed the graphics."


Perhaps you feel that I have overexaggerated this movie's spectacular-ness. But if you take time to really examine The Prince of Egypt, you will find an enormous amount of depth and feeling. And if you've been wondering about my title--"Deeper than Deep"--wonder no more, this movie's deeper than you might think.



Recommended: Yes