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Movies / On DVD / Anastasia
Anastasia

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Anastasia (1997)

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Reviews Counted:47

Fresh:40

Rotten:7

Average Rating:7.2/10

Consensus: Beautiful animation, an affable take on Russian history, and strong voice performances make Anastasia a winning first film from Fox animation studios.

Runtime: 1 hr 40 mins

Genre: Childrens

Synopsis: Based on the legend of the real-life daugher of the last Russian czar, ANASTASIA combines imaginative animation and lively songs to tell the story of a princess who escapes a horrible execution and... Based on the legend of the real-life daugher of the last Russian czar, ANASTASIA combines imaginative animation and lively songs to tell the story of a princess who escapes a horrible execution and mysteriously reappears after being thought dead. When a team of swindlers, Dimitri (John Cusack) and Vladimir (Kelsey Grammer), recruit Anya (Meg Ryan), a spunky amnesiac orphan, in their plot to defraud the Dowager Empress (Angela Lansbury) with a faux Romanov heir, little do they know their carefully coached fake is the real thing. But the resurgence of the long-lost Anastasia also attracts the attention of the scary Rasputin (Christopher Lloyd), who, with his hilarious sidekick, Bartok the bat (Hank Azaria), schemes to do in the last Romanov. Though much lighter (thankfully for children) than the 1956 Anatole Litvak-directed ANASTASIA adapted from Marcelle Maurette's play, this movie is still packed with thrills, chills, and romance. The first animated feature from 20th Century Fox, the film is directed by longtime collaborators Don Bluth and Gary Goldman. [More]

Starring: Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Christopher Lloyd

Starring: Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Christopher Lloyd, Hank Azaria, Bernadette Peters, Kirsten Dunst, Angela Lansbury, Liz Callaway, Lacey Chabert, Jim Cummings, Andrea Martin, Debra Mooney, Arthur Malet

Director: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman

Director: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman
Composer: David Newman
Producer: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman
Composer: Stephen Flaherty

[See More Credits]

Reviews for Anastasia

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1 - 20 (sorted by fresh rating; UK critics are listed first)
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It does veer horribly towards the sentimental at times, but still provides proof positive that other people can do cartoons too.

Full Review Source: Channel 4 Film | comment Comment
09/01/08
Channel 4 Film
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Bluth has rediscovered the ingredients of quality mainstream animation...

Full Review Source: Time Out | comment Comment
02/09/06
Geoff Andrew
Geoff Andrew
Time Out
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

A charming little movie, nothing to write home about but a perfectly acceptable way to while away a rainy Sunday afternoon with the child, or children, in your life.

Full Review Source: Empire Magazine | comment Comment
01/01/00
Philip Thomas
Philip Thomas
Empire Magazine
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

An entertaining romp through history and romance that is best suited to young girls who should enjoy its G-rated passion.

Full Review Source: Palo Alto Weekly | comment Comment
05/14/03
Palo Alto Weekly
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

It proves that Disney can be beaten at their own game.

Full Review Source: Film Threat | comment Comment
12/06/05
Chris Gore
Chris Gore
Film Threat

I'm not sure there was this much singing in Mother Russia, but the film isn't overly wretched.

Full Review Source: Filmcritic.com | comment Comment
01/01/00
Christopher Null
Christopher Null
Filmcritic.com

I have nothing but superlatives for this, a most phenomenal film.

Full Review Source: DVDTalk.com | comment Comment
03/13/06
David Cornelius
David Cornelius
DVDTalk.com

A sensational firecracker, enjoyable for both children and adults.

Full Review Source: Apollo Guide | comment Comment
01/01/00
Elspeth Haughton
Elspeth Haughton
Apollo Guide

This entertaining animated feature is a dream-catcher, tapping into the universal yearning for home and love.

Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice | comment Comment
02/28/02
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Spirituality and Practice

The Mouse still rules the world of animation. But if he looks over his shoulder, he'll see a Fox gaining on him.

Full Review Source: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | comment Comment
01/01/00
Jack Garner
Jack Garner
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

The whole process of watching Anastasia is a thoroughly enjoyable one, and it proves that any studio willing to put forth the time, money, and effort can match Disney.

Full Review Source: ReelViews | comment Comment
01/01/00
James Berardinelli
James Berardinelli
ReelViews

It wouldn't work without the fabulous cast. Ryan brings a fieriness to her role that we haven't seen (well, heard) from her in awhile, and Cusack is an able foil.

Full Review Source: Deseret News, Salt Lake City | comment Comment
01/01/00
Jeff Vice
Jeff Vice
Deseret News, Salt Lake City

In a fall season that's already given us its share of turkeys, there should be room for any film as handsome and touching as this one.

Full Review Source: Boston Phoenix | comment Comment
03/24/02
Jeffrey Gantz
Jeffrey Gantz
Boston Phoenix

No review available.

comment Comment
09/03/02
Jeffrey Westhoff
Jeffrey Westhoff
Northwest Herald (Crystal Lake, IL)

...Absolutely on a par with recent Disney greats like Beauty and The Beast and Aladdin...

Full Review Source: Film Quips Online | comment Comment
02/08/03
John R. McEwen
John R. McEwen
Film Quips Online

[They] think all the world wants is an inane plot to justify the drawing of it,and that's enough. Kids have never been that stupid & they will never be.

Full Review Source: Cinerina | comment Comment
06/14/01
Karina Montgomery
Karina Montgomery
Cinerina

There is much for tots to enjoy: decent songs, an amusing script and some surprisingly imaginative animation.

Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide | comment Comment
09/01/08
Ken Fox
Ken Fox
TV Guide's Movie Guide

Any film that echoes the landscape of Doctor Zhivago is hard to dislike for too long.

Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times | comment Comment
02/14/01
Kenneth Turan
Kenneth Turan
Los Angeles Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

What redeems Anastasia from its dramatic slackness and drab songs are the performances from the actors.

Full Review Source: rec.arts.movies.reviews | comment Comment
01/01/00
Kristian M. Lin
Kristian M. Lin
rec.arts.movies.reviews

This enchanting fairy-tale, the first release from Fox Animation Studios, is pure family entertainment.

Full Review Source: Boxoffice Magazine | comment Comment
10/18/08
Lisa Osborne
Lisa Osborne
Boxoffice Magazine
 
 
1 - 20 (sorted by fresh rating; UK critics are listed first)
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