My main attractions really that it was animation, which I love, and also that it was based on a truly wonderful book. Any adaptation of a literary classic deserves some applause no wonder how it turns out, especially if the book is difficult to bring to screen, like with the work of Charles Dickens Moby Dick is one such book. With this animated adaptation I really don't know whether I like or dislike it, for now I'd say that it's neither but is more a mixed feelings reaction. There are things I did like, the music is fitting and has a haunting edge particularly in the more dramatic moments(thank goodness also that it didn't sound too obvious), the opening storm sequence- in fact all the storm sequences seen were good- was very well done and Moby when you see him(you don't see him until quite some time in) is suitably fearsome. The voice acting was not bad at all, Ahab's is done with real gruff gusto, the writing is literate and has thought and subtle humour(Queequeg's reaction to Ishmael calling him fierce as a means of joining the Pequod) and I liked the character of Queequeg. The animation quality however is not that great, it is done in a rather hurriedly drawn and flatly coloured style and basically just looks as though it was done in a rush complete with rather crudely drawn sharks. As an adaptation, it doesn't disgrace the book nor does it do justice to it, more could have been done with the ending which was rushed and didn't have much tension or emotional impact and the dulling of some of the book's themes and characterisations made the story seem on the thin and dull side, surprising as you'd expect an adaptation less than a hour to rush the pacing. Ishmael is bland though, and while we know Ahab's personality and motivations- kudos also for making him very like how he's described in the book too- we don't see anywhere near enough of his character complexities, and for a character that is the driving force of the book that is a big problem to me. All in all, a mixed view, worth a watch but not a classic. 5/10 Bethany Cox
