Since its inception with Don Bluth's original film of 1988, the 'Land before time' series has had its ups and downs. The original is a minor classic, and while a few of the direct-to-video sequels were surprisingly good, many dwelt or even struggled in the territory of "so-so" and "softly enjoyable." This fourteenth installment had a lot theoretically working against it, including a gap of nine years since the last feature, a brand new director and writing team, and following on three immediate predecessors that were of the lesser variety. On the other hand, among other returning characters, the story again involves an important figure in Littlefoot's life, as was also true with the unexpectedly, genuinely great tenth entry, 'The great longneck migration.' It was safe to assume that one way or another 'Journey of the brave' would be fit in well with its brethren, so the question is of exactly how firm the material would be for a kids' franchise that's nearly thirty years old. In a move that should shock no one, for better and for worse it's pretty much right on par. At that, it's mostly for the better.
The main thing that the video sequels have had going against them is that the earnest, substantive writing of the progenitor has generally been declined in favor of more simple and unsophisticated entertainment, catering to young viewers instead of appealing to broad audiences, and accentuated in the addition of songs to each picture. That's not to say that there aren't good ideas and meaningful themes on hand to anchor each effort, but the strength of that underlying value has been variable. Further troubling some examples have been excessively cutesy and childish voice performances, and visuals that arguably trade nuance for vibrant color, with some unnatural movement observed with the switch in 2000 to a digital art style. Thankfully, the voice acting grew to be more organic and steady over time, allowing regulars like Anndi McAfee, icons like Jeff Bennett and Rob Paulsen, and guest stars like Reba McEntire and Damon Wayans Jr. To demonstrate their actual skills. Similarly, scrutinize the songs as we may, not all are so gauche, and some are quite good.
The animation, meanwhile, is an aspect for which any critiques feel more like nitpicking instead of major flaws. By and large we're treated to rich, luscious detail in the backgrounds and environments, and to nearly the same degree in character designs, effects, and other active elements. And though new scribes Cliff Ruby and Elana Lesser faced definite challenges in devising a new screenplay for a new 'Land before time,' happily, I think they rose to the occasion. It's hardly that this movie is a must-see, and it doesn't reach the same heights as a few of its antecedents did. But Ruby and Lesser did a fairly good job of balancing dramatic moments, action scenes, and light humor while focusing more squarely on the adventure of the saga. As Littlefoot and his friends set out in search of someone important - and other family and friends follow in their footsteps - we're treated to welcome slivers of earnestness and kernels of comedy, and even at its most ham-handed I recognize the intelligence, care, and heart that went into this flick. The scene writing is strong, the story is suitably compelling, and the characterizations are perhaps slightly more robust than they have been in other instances. I'm pleased at how good this actually is.
Some tidbits are less sure-footed, yes, but there are plenty of small moments that are delightful, clever highlights, including even a passing line in the first minutes, second song "Hot and stinky," and other odds and ends ranging from character bits, to specific scenes or story ideas, to facets of the visuals, and even the editing. As has consistently been the case throughout the franchise we get tiny life lessons in addition to the dominant flavors; songs aside, Michael Tavera's score has been a nice, reliable complement since 1994's first sequel, and this is another gratifying example. Really, when you get down to it, I don't think one can seriously go wrong here. 'Journey of the brave' does not demand viewership, and it remains true that it falls on the gentler, more passive, and more uncomplicated side of family-friendly fare. When stood next to even other TLBT titles, however, let alone other projects in the wider world of children's cinema, I believe this holds up reasonably well on its own merits. Don't go out of your way for this fourteenth and as of yet last installment in the series, but if you do have the opportunity to watch, it's modestly entertaining and more worthwhile than I initially supposed, and sometimes that's just what we want and need.
