Rating of
2.5/4
Real cute
The M.O.W. - wrote on 08/02/08
"Babe" (voiced by Christine Cavanaugh) is a runt piglet with a kind heart who, by fate, comes into the life of a gentle farmer (James Cromwell, who was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for the role). The farmer realizes almost immediately that the pig is something special, and his suspecions are realized when it becomes clear that "Babe," which he calls "Pig" has a way with sheep and the other animals on his farm.
This is a very cute movie, but has its problems. The biggest problem is the performances of the majority of the human cast. I really could not find these characters believable for the most part. Cromwell was probably the best of the human cast.
Something that this movie does very nicely is the special effects. If you ask me, it was difficult to tell the difference between the actual animals and the animatronic ones.
The soundtrack is not memorable, but is a good match for the film. Some of the most fun songs were sung on-camera by the three "mice", who read what I could describe as "chapter titles" seen throughout the movie.
It is the animals which are the main focus of the movie, and are the most believable of the entire cast. Even though the voices were probably added at a later date, the actors seemed to have good chemistry. They also did a fantastic job at giving each animal personality.
There are some sad moments in this movie, but there is no violence. There is also no "four-letter words" in the entire movie.
I would also suggest that you try to get this in widescreen to appreciate the fields of the unnamed location. The cinematography is beautiful in this movie when it shows the scenery in wide-shots.
This could be a pretty good rental if you have young children in your household if you ask me.
