Joseph - King of Dreams
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Movie Reviews of Joseph - King of Dreams
Movie Review: How you can go from nothing to having something.
Summary: 5 Stars
Although it is put in a cartoon, we all have humble beginnings. It's how you apply those beginnings for your outcome.Movie Review: Great movie
Summary: 5 Stars
My entire family loves this movie, from our 2 yr old up to the adults! Great movie!Movie Review: A good movie.
Summary: 5 Stars
My family and I enjoyed this movie and continue to watch it for many years to come.Movie Review: Ambitious Direct-To-DVD Family Film
Summary: 4 Stars
Although it lacks the starpower and budget of its predecessor, "Prince of Egypt," "Joseph: King of Dreams" is a very ambitious film for the direct-to-DVD market. It features the voice talents of Ben Affleck(Daredevil, Gigli), Mark Hamill(the Star Wars trilogy, Batman: The Animated Series), James Eckhouse(Beverly Hills, 90210), Steven Weber(Wings), and Jodi Benson(Ariel of "The Little Mermaid"). It also features the voices of Dan Castellaneta, Maureen McGovern, Rene Auberjonois, Judith Light, and other established actors.
It tells the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors and how his father, Jacob, puts him on a pedestal above his other brothers. When Joseph's bragging goes a little too far, his brothers sell him into slavery. Little do they know that he will eventually become second only to Pharoah in power and literally hold their futures in his hands. The story sticks relatively close to that of the Bible. It handles the dreams that Joseph has and interprets in a very good manner. They standout from the rest of the film without actually separating themselves from the overall story.
The music is sort of average, and not on the level of "Prince," but it does move the story along at a decent clip. The animation is also a step down from "Prince," but the budget was also considerably smaller, so I'll let that pass.
Some have claimed that God is only mentioned once in this film. However, if you follow the story and the actions of Joseph (especially when he is imprisoned), you'll see that God is everywhere in this film. It is all left to interpretation, and if you don't look for God, you'll obviously not see him in this movie.
I highly recommend this story as a companion piece to "Prince of Egypt." Although some may see it as a sequel, it's actually just another film based on a story from the Bible. After viewing this flick, try reading the actual story to your children and see if they can pick out the differences and similarities between the real story and Dreamworks' version.
Please note that there is a little bit of violence in this film, but nothing along the lines of of "Prince of Egypt." There is also a tad bit of sensuality when Potiphar's wife attempts to seduce Joseph, but this is handled quite nicely in the film and little ones will most likely not catch on to it.
A really good film with solid production and voice talent. I highly recommend it.
Movie Review: Fine Family Film
Summary: 4 Stars
For a direct-to-video this wasn't half bad. I've always liked the Dreamworks style of animation that's sharp and more angular instead of the rounded, softer look from Disney characters. Dreamworks also avoids the fairy tale genre by choosing more provocative stories than can become very worthwhile if done properly. "Joseph: King of Dreams" is historically a prelude to "Prince of Egypt" but it successfully stands on its own. It has no need to capitalize on a blockbuster film with a "sequel".
The animation, while not on par with the computer-animated sea split from PoE, is still exquisite in detail. We see Egypt through the eyes of the startled Joseph who goes from a bustling slave market to the splendor of Potiphar's house to the dankness of a prison cell. Dreamworks is credited to thorough research on ancient civilizations and their lifestyles, seen from the finery of Egyptain garments and Joseph's hand painted mural--a nod to Moses hieroglyphic dream from PoE.
PoE is an epic tale about a nation's liberation while "Joseph" is a more personal story about one man's journey into the unknown world. It feels friendlier to families watching it at home and there's no freaky plagues to scare the kids either. My only complaint is the second half of the film that's inaccurate in text and feels too rushed. The brothers come to Egypt and Joseph gives them cold retribution until his good natured wife Asenath advises him otherwise. The sudden "surprise" discovery of new brother, Benjamin, is also incorrect. (Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin. He and Joseph grew up together until Joseph was sold into slavery.)
Nevertheless, it's nice film that you can show the family without worrying about crass content. Like PoE, the star-studded voice cast is adequate. Ben Affleck delivers a low key "realistic" voice for Joseph. Mark Hamill is a worthwhile Judah (although all the brothers are depicted rather malevolently.) The music is not on par with the original "When You Believe" score but it turns out all right. The highlight of the film is "Better than I", where the frustrated Joseph finds peace with himself after suffering much adversity. Parents can gladly add this film to their video library and know that their children are watching a beautiful and inspirational tale. They might want to peek in and watch together from time to time.