The Trumpet of the Swan

This is a mediocre family friendly animation. It's nothing special but works as modest time-pass entertainment specially for young children. The story deals with a trumpeter swan who doesn't have a voice and so doesn't know how to attract a mate. Would it help if he got a real trumpet and learned to play? The animation quality is alright for home viewing. The voice work is decent with Jason Alexander, Reese Witherspoon and Carol Burnett managing to hold our attention. The songs are dull and feel like padding. The film runs a short seventy minutes and is acceptable for kids.

Overall 4/10

With so few votes, it appears that few have seen this movie. I am a bit shocked at its low rating. It is barely 70 minutes long, the voice-acting is very good, with Reese Witherspoon, Jason Alexander, Carol Burnett, and others. It is about a hatchling trumpeter swan who doesn't have a voice. How can he "trumpet" and attract a mate? How about if he gets a real trumpet and learns to play?? I got this DVD on loan from my county library system, I planned to watch a few minutes of it late last night, to see if I wanted to see the whole thing, but found it so captivating that I couldn't stop. It is a total fantasy, with a brief commentary about the plight of trumpeter swans, but overall a nice diversion which would be enjoyed by any children, or childish grandfathers like me!

The critic Ebert has a complete review, however I believe his rating is a bit low for this charming little cartoon.

It's rather silly but nevertheless it's watchable. I just found that it couldn't capture my interest as there was something missing. It wasn't as magical as it should have been. I've personally never read the actual story but this movie adaptation version seems dull and feels like they have tried to make it fit into an "Ugly Duckling" format.

I don't think I would recommend watching this movie. It is fine if there is nothing else on but it just doesn't have enough to offer the audience. Louie also feels more pathetic than discouraged. It's hard to watch him interact with his family and then later with the human world. Although the ending turns out how you would expect it brings little resolution to the movie.

Oh, and minor side note... Louie the swan's father is a jerk.

You don't have to tell me that cuteness alone is not a factor by which an entire movie can be judged. But even so, this movie just has so much cuteness that one could actually sit through it and keep him engrossed. Besides which the movie isn't very long at all and barely touches 70 minutes and therefore, you aren't really likely to get bored. The dubbing or lip syncing does seem a bit subpar though and I don't know if they've done that intentionally? I would recommend this movie for young children as they would certainly appreciate. As an adult or parent, if you have nothing better to do than watching this short film may leave you warm and fuzzy inside. Nothing wrong with that is there?

Now, I'm not one who likes picking apart a film, because of differences from the book, but ... I'm okay with praising it for accuracy.

My children and I had just finished reading the book, when we saw this in the discount section at the store. Well, we just couldn't resist giving it a try. We all truly enjoyed it.

Most of the details are true to the book, but more important than that, the spirit of it remained in tact.

With a strong moral lesson (or two) I really enjoy this just for causing you (and kids) to spend some time thinking about things that matter. It is also very upbeat overall, despite some more serious moments while the characters face large personal dilemmas. The voice talents were impressive and the animation was adorable and engaging.

The only negatives I have to say about this one are not a big deal, but there are two very weak characters. The 'mean kid' is totally unconvincing and pretty annoying and the camp coach is just confusing. (I don't understand what he says or why he is like that. Is it supposed to be funny?) But, since both of their roles are relatively minor, they don't ruin the film. So, sit back with the kids and maybe some popcorn and enjoy.