Taken from the Old Testament, here’s a film that’s a testimony to the serious art of animated film making.  "The Prince of Egypt" may be animated, but it’s certainly no cartoon. It’s a Biblical epic, along the lines of “Ben Hur” and “The Greatest Story Ever Told,” that’s a serious retelling of the story of Moses based on the Book of Exodus. 

The show opens with a sort of disclaimer that some liberties have been taken with the story. That’s true, but those changes were added only to give the characters more depth. 

The story centers on Moses (voice of Val Kilmer), who was adopted by the Queen when he was an infant; and his brother Rameses (Ralph Fiennes). Rameses and Moses are the best of friends, although Rameses often complains that Moses is the real troublemaker when Rameses receives the blame.

When Moses happens to meet Miriam (Sandra Bullock), his sister, he first hears about his real Hebrew heritage and family. And the disbelieving young man cannot believe that he, a prince of Egypt, had such origins.When he leaves his brother and royal family behind, Moses begins the simple life of a shepherd. Along the way he meets the spirited Zipporah (voice of Michelle Pfeiffer), who encourages him in his mission to free his people from slavery.

This is high-quality material all the way through, from the mind-bending animation to the story line to the wonderful soundtrack that includes gorgeous ballads, lullabies and songs of celebration. Oscar winners Hans Zimmer (“The Lion King”) and Stephen Schwartz (“Pocahontas”) wrote the six original songs that include “Deliver Us,” sung by the Hebrew slaves, along with the beautiful “When You Believe” that’s bound for hit-dom by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.

Unfortunately, the very audience for which this was made -- namely, older children and adults -- might skip this spectacle as just another “kid’’ movie. Unlike most animated movies, this is a serious effort that contains some light-hearted moments but nothing of the comic relief we see in most Disney animations.

Not surprisingly, the Dream Works animation, which contains computer-generated effects, is outstanding. Especially memorable is a fantasy sequence in which hieroglyphics act out a past that Moses doesn’t want to believe or face. And the parting of the Red Sea is simply majestic to behold. In keeping with a season that emphasizes faith, this is a thoughtful, earnest show that’s well wrought and well timed.

Directors: Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner and Simon Wells.
Running time: 1 1/2 hours.

Cast/Voices: Val Kilmer and Amick Byram as the speaking and singing voices of Moses; Ralph Fiennes, Rameses; Sandra Bullock and Sally Dworsky , speaking and singing voices of Miriam; Danny Glover and Brian Stokes Mitchell, speaking and singing voices of Jethro; Jeff Goldblum , Aaron; Steve Martin, Hotep; Helen Mirren and Linda Dee Shayne, speaking and singing voices of the Queen; Michelle Pfeiffer, Zipporah; Martin Short, Huy; Patrick Stewart, Pharaoh Seti; Eden Riegel, young Miriam.

Rated: PG for violence and death.