The Trumpet of the Swan (2001)
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15% of critics liked it
(41 reviews) -
38% of users liked it
(3,117 ratings)
E.B. White's children's story of a swan searching for his voice comes to life in this animated adventure. When young Louie the Swan is hatched, it's soon discovered that he isn't able to make a sound, which is a matter of no small annoyance to his boastful father (voice of Jason… More E.B. White's children's story of a swan searching for his voice comes to life in this animated adventure. When young Louie the Swan is hatched, it's soon discovered that he isn't able to make a sound, which is a matter of no small annoyance to his boastful father (voice of Jason Alexander) and doting mother (voice of Mary Steenburgen). As Louie gets a bit older, he falls in love with Serena (voice of Reese Witherspoon), but he has no way of telling her how he feels. Despondent, Louie flies away, and makes friends with a young boy named Sam (voice of Sam Gifaldi). Sam realizes Louie has a problem, and with the help of his schoolteacher, Mrs. Hammerbotham (Carol Burnett), Louie learns to read and write. Louie is thrilled that he has finally found a way to communicate, but his joy is short-lived when he discovers his fellow swans are not well acquainted with the English language. At long last, Louie finds a way to speak in a way his family and fellows can understand when his father gives him a trumpet; while Louie is thrilled and shows a remarkable gift for the instrument, his dad's happiness is diluted by the fact that the horn is stolen merchandise. Determined to pay for the stolen trumpet and make his family proud, Louie flies away to the big city, where he lands a lucrative gig playing with a jazz combo. At last, Louie has found fame, fortune, and self-respect, but can he win the heart of Serena away from her fiancé, Boyd (Seth Green)? The score for The Trumpet of the Swan was written by noted jazz artist Marcus Miller; rock & roll pioneer Little Richard also contributed a song to the soundtrack. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Richard Rich, Terry Noss
- Written By
- E B White, Judy Rothman Rofe
- Genres
- Drama, Action & Adventure, Animation, Kids & Family, Comedy
G,
- In Theaters
- May 11, 2001 Limited
- Studio
- Columbia Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Ty Burr, Entertainment Weekly
Features charmless songs, junky animation, hambone voice talent.
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Jay Carr, Boston Globe
Too bad the director didn't set his mind to making a film parents could enjoy, too.
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Pam Sitt, Seattle Times
Wait for this one to come out on video.
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Jan Stuart, Newsday
Passable animation for the younger members of the family, but the movie never finds its own voice.
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Lou Lumenick, New York Post
One ugly duckling of a cartoon.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Jason Alexander
as Father
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Mary Steenburgen
as Mother
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Reese Witherspoon
as Serena
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Seth Green
as Boyd
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Carol Burnett
as Mrs. Hammerbotham
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Joe Mantegna
as Monty
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Samuel Gifaldi
as Sam Beever
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Dee Bradley Baker
as Louie
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Melissa Disney
as Dee Baker Billie, Louie
- Jeffrey Schoeny
- Joe Montegna
- Steve Franken
