It would be a real shame if, as rumored, "Home on the Range" really does turn out to be Disney's last traditional cel-painted animated feature. That's not to say that this silly Wild West comedy-musical is the best thing the Mouse House has ever produced, but it is a darn sight better than most of what Disney has turned out lately.
The film is a little rambling, and there are times when the filmmakers seem to be trying too hard to be quirky and different. And some of the more lowbrow gags are a little too lowbrow and crude — especially for an animated movie.
But there is considerable charm and heart here. And it does return to the familiar Disney formula, mixing jokes and songs, which the studio has gotten away from in recent years. Best of all, there's a good message, a reminder about how the face of this country changed once many of its ranches and farms died out.
The story takes place at Patch of Heaven, a small struggling dairy farm. The owner, Pearl (the voice of Carole Cook), has just received a foreclosure notice, putting her animals in a panic as to their fate.
So Pearl's cows decide to do something about her financial woes, led by newcomer Maggie (voiced by Roseanne Barr). Unfortunately, there's no real money in county fair contests, so she instead aims to collect the reward money for Alameda Slim (Randy Quaid), a notorious cattle rustler.
Joining Maggie in her hunt are Mrs. Caloway and Grace (Judi Dench and Jennifer Tilly, respectively). But finding — and apprehending — the elusive rustler won't be easy. Especially with a bounty hunter on his trail, along with his gung-ho horse (Cuba Gooding Jr.), who's looking for action.
Refreshingly, the characters and production design look less like the Disney style in most places, resembling the heavily stylized work of Tex Avery (co-creator of such characters as Droopy).
The musical numbers — written by Alan Menken — are also quite clever (thankfully, the filmmakers save the incredibly bland Tim McGraw song for the final credits).
And as always with this sort of material, the voice cast is clearly having a ball. The pairing of Barr, Dench and Tilly may be unusual, but it's also inspired. And Gooding is surprisingly tolerable — perhaps because we can't actually see him mugging for a change.
"Home on the Range" is rated PG for scenes of animated violence (brawling, gunplay and slapstick), and vulgar flatulence humor (as well as some suggestive references). Running time: 75 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com