The Trumpet of the Swan (2001)

The animation was terrible (the blue-eyed boy wouldn't stop rocking back and forth as though he was high). There were a bunch of really bad music numbers, and the plot wasn't anything like the original story. The scenes were jarring and made no sense. In one scene a kid at summer camp climbs into a kayak at the beach and fifteen seconds later he's in danger of going over a waterfall. Right next to the campground, really?? So a bunch of other kids get in a kayak to save him. All the while they were being directed by a single counselor who shouted incoherently through a bullhorn. The bullhorn even made annoying electronic squeals, but it was ANALOG. What? Oh, and daddy swan won't shut up, ever. In the opening scene he sings a song about his partner's newly laid eggs and then proceeds to JUGGLE THEM. The characters and settings in this movie were so bad that I'd rather try to watch Microwave Massacre again. I'm sure a lot of work went into this, but they should have invested a whole lot more.Avoid.

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

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.

I love this film, short and simple. Of course, there were obvious flaws, most of them relating to variations away from the book. But, as I understand, most people who watched it only watched it because of the book, in which case it would be, for most, a disappointment. Not me. The animation needed a degree of work, but that is always the hardest part of one of these films. While I will be flamed for saying so, I think this was a well-done movie.The story was the best part, but that came straight from the book, so nothing can really be said there. The voice-acting was well done. Most character's voices fit them extraordinarily well, particularly the characters of Serena and Boyd struck me as best-cast in the movie. Words and music (mostly the trumpet)were off with the mouthing at several parts, but it was nice to have some celebrity voices in there. Little Richard was interesting, but the music itself was well-done.The movie was better than it's predecessors for certain (Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little) in the movie category, just as I always felt the novel surpassed them. Note that I don't generally watch movies like this, but it was magic for me. I hath spoken.