One of my great loves in life is the artform of animation. It has lifted me, moved me, transported me and claimed much of my working life. So when anyone or any studio undertakes the creation of an animated film, my very best wishes go out to them...for if they succeed, it is a success for all of us in the world of animation and if they fail, it, likewise, is a failure for all of us.

© DreamWorks LLC.

I believe that the animated film is still in its infancy. The possibilities for this magical medium are limitless. It seems obvious that animation can and has rocked cradles and entertained young audiences very well, but there are many (myself among them) who feel very strongly that this genre of entertainment is in no way limited to children.

That is why, if you'll forgive this rather lengthy introduction, I have looked forward to The Prince of Egypt with the greatest anticipation. When one considers the time, subject matter, budget, and talents involved with the men creating this film (Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen) how could the wonderful world of animation expect anything less than pure magic, emotion, and maybe even a film that will explore new heights and open up new possibilities for our artform.

© DreamWorks LLC.

I cannot remember ever looking forward to any animated film with such excitement and hope, first and foremost because I consider Steven Spielberg one of the best storytellers in Hollywood. I will forever be grateful for E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark, Schindler's List, and Saving Private Ryan. Thank you Steven Spielberg. You made me laugh, you made me cry, you've kept me, and countless others, spellbound on the edge of our seats while you entertained us with your marvelous storytelling.

But I regret to say, this time I was not entertained, and it all boils down to one thing -- and that is the thing Steven Spielberg seems to do best -- "story." The Prince of Egypt skips over the true meat of the story of Moses in favor of special effects and action.

When I left the theater after seeing The Prince of Egypt, I was angry. I felt let down. I felt the charge to advance the animated film had been fumbled. Not that there isn't exquisite artwork, great animation and camera work -- the likes of which the animated film has never seen before -- but none of that really matters if there is not a compelling story. Prince is all the very best icing, but underneath, there's no cake. It really doesn't matter how eloquently you say nothing, you've still said nothing, and Prince says "nothing" very well and with a lot of hype.

Basically like a live-action film, this is a film about breath-taking special effects, but if you've seen the trailer you've seen the best parts of the movie. It somehow seems that the life of Moses and the Book of Exodus has more to offer than a couple of teenage kids (endlessly) drag racing in their chariots and the parting of the Red Sea. The characters had little to do with the way they are presented in the Bible. Now, that doesn't bother me so much, as long as the characters are amusing, entertaining and compelling, which these were not. I think this is because rather than placing the emphasis on plot and personality, the emphasis is on action.