The Prince of Egypt *** (1998, voices of Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer) – Classic Movie Review 2651

DreamWorks dreams up this properly reverential and intelligent 1998 version of the biblical Moses story as an animated feature. It is distinguished by striking animation, some truly magnificent and memorable sequences, a strong voice cast and an excellent soundtrack that includes Stephen Schwartz’s Oscar-winning Best Original Song, When You Believe.

With a screenplay by Philip LaZebnik that is slightly unfocused and seems overlong (though it is only 99 minutes), the movie occasionally lacks excitement and can be a bit of a Sunday school lesson. But otherwise it’s great.

Val Kilmer, unexpectedly, provides the voices of Moses and God; Ralph Fiennes is the voice of Rameses. Also in the eclectic voice cast are Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock (as Miriam), Jeff Goldblum, Danny Glover, Helen Mirren (playing The Queen!), Patrick Stewart, Steve Martin and Martin Short.

Songs: When You Believe, Deliver Us, All I Ever wanted, Queen’s Reprise, Through Heaven’s Eyes, Playing with the Big Boys, The Plagues (all by Stephen Schwartz) and I Will Get There (by Diane Warren).

The screen story is by Ken Harsha and Carole Holliday. Nicholas Meyer is credited for providing additional screenplay material.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 2651

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