Cast: Geena Davis, Hugh Laurie, Jonathan Lipnicki, Michael J. Fox (voice), Nathan Lane (voice), Chazz Palminteri (voice), Steve Zahn (voice), Bruno Kirby (voice), Jennifer Tilly (voice)
Director: Rob Minkoff
Producer: Douglas Wick
Screenplay: Gregory J. Brooker and M. Night Shyamalan, based on the book by E.B. White
Cinematography: Guillermo Navarro
Music: Alan Silvestri
U.S. Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Many viewers watching Stuart Little will be reminded of another movie featuring a talking, special effects-driven animal. I am, of course, referring to Babe. Stuart Little is aiming for a similar audience to the one captured by the pig's fable, and, to that end, it employs a few of the same elements, including the concept of a fantasy world where animals talk. In fact, the four-legged creatures in this film are so loquacious that they make the denizens of George Orwell's Animal Farm seem non-communicative by comparison. Still, after the financial failure of Babe 2: Pig in the City, one has to wonder whether an undemanding, entertaining, live action adventure like this has much box office potential.
At least Stuart Little has something going for it - a built-in fan base. The movie has been inspired by E.B. White's book, a classic that almost every child is familiar with. If only a fraction of those who have read Stuart Little want to see the movie, it will do well. But that's a gamble, because this picture is quiet, gentle, and family-friendly - three qualities that rarely apply to the form of entertainment that kids crave. In a culture where the WWF, Power Rangers, and Pokemon reign supreme, can little Stuart Little make any kind of an impact?
Based on merit, the movie deserves to be seen. It isn't as magical as Babe, but it works for what it is - a lighthearted adventure with a heartfelt message about the meaning of family. And, while the film is primarily aimed at the under-10 crowd, filmmaker Rob Minkoff (co-director of The Lion King) establishes a tone that adults will appreciate. Everyone in this movie takes everything with such a sense of deadpan seriousness that it's actually amusing. I kept wondering how some of the actors could deliver their lines with straight faces. (One example - Mrs. Little to the cat: "We do not eat family members.") No one in the movie finds it even a bit odd that a mouse can exhibit a whole range of human characteristics, including speech.
The story begins in a New York City orphanage, where Mr. And Mrs. Little (Hugh Laurie and Geena Davis) have come to adopt a baby brother for their only son, George (Jonathan Lipnicki). However, while observing the children at play, their attention is arrested by a mouse (voice of Michael J. Fox) who approaches them and offers tips about which girls and boys might make the best daughters or sons. When it comes time to make a choice, the Littles select the mouse and name him Stuart. George is at first unimpressed, but, after a few false starts, he bonds with his "brother." The only one displeased by the new arrival is the cat, Snowbell (voice of Nathan Lane), who is upset by the idea of being placed lower in the family pecking order than someone who should be below him on the food chain. So Snowbell enlists the aid of a pair of other felines: the hyperactive Monty (voice of Steve Zahn) and the dangerous Smokey (voice of Chazz Palminteri). Together, the three of them plan a way to "scratch" Stuart from the Little family album.
Stuart Little is not a film of great performances, but it is one of subtle-but-impressive special effects. Without a doubt, Stuart is the most real and sympathetic character in the film. From a visual standpoint, he is also consistently believable. There's a lot of cgi work involved here, and it is incorporated as seamlessly as anything in George Lucas' The Phantom Menace. Equally impressive are the cats. One of the reasons for this is that, at least most of the time, Snowbell, Monty, and Smokey are living, breathing animals, but the manipulation of their mouths (when they talk) is executed flawlessly. Additionally, the sky shots of Manhattan are gorgeous. One in particular - a pan up from inside Central Park looking out towards the skyscrapers - is breathtaking. New York has never looked better. Sometimes the most impressive special effects work is the kind that isn't as readily noticed.
The live action actors are adequate, but neither Geena Davis nor Hugh Laurie nor Jonathan Lipnicki stands out. In fact, Lipnicki, who was adorable in Jerry Maguire, exhibits no discernible charisma here. The vocal talents fit into the category of "familiar, but not necessarily recognizable without a credits list." Another high-profile name involved with the project is M. Night Shyamalan, who co-wrote the screenplay. (Shyamalan is, of course, a suddenly hot property in the wake of the success of The Sixth Sense, which he wrote and directed.) Of course, all of this talent would mean little if the final product wasn't worthwhile, but, in the case of Stuart Little, the results are favorable. Hopefully, parents and children seeking theatrical fare will give this movie a chance before seeking out something that's louder, flashier, and lobotomized.
© 1999 James Berardinelli