There’s a lot of talk about Disney doing away with it’s traditional cel animated features.
That’s a shame.
Brother Bear is proof that Disney is still the best at the classic, cherished medium. It’s no Beauty and the Beast or Lion King, but it’s a solid, entertaining film, mostly for kids, but with some laugh to get stodgy adults through the 80 or so minutes. It’s also a warm tear-jerker / feel good romp, but that’s OK.
For the record, my fave Disney piece is The Hunchback of Notre Dame, but that has some CGI in it, though it’s mainly traditional cel animation.

Joaquin Phoenix supplies the voice for Kenai, a Native American (I didn’t know the term Eskimo was politically incorrect, sorry!) that becomes a bear for reasons that may be considered spoilers. What ensues is actually quite politically correct and new agey, but that’s OK, because at times Brother Bear is a beautiful movie. I was even OK with the music, provided by Phil Collins, but he did a much better job with the music for Disney’s Tarzan.

After the commercial failure of TREASURE PLANET, a film I loved, by the way, I worry about how successful Brother Bear will be.
I mean, even if it’s a huge success, Disney is still stopping old school animation so today’s spoiled brats can have more of their CGI stuff. But maybe if it is a success then at least the old way will get more respect, and some other studio will occasionally release a traditionally animated film.
One can only hope.