The Tigger Movie

To paraphrase one of the major characters, the wonderful thing about the "Winnie the Pooh" movies is that they're one of the few modern film series aimed at kids that lack mean-spirited humor and flatulence gags.

And even though it's been 17 years since Pooh and his friends have been on the big screen, that emphasis on clean, moralistic entertainment hasn't really changed. In fact, the newest, "The Tigger Movie," is even more squeaky clean — if that's possible.

Unfortunately, in the long time that's passed between theatrical movies, some of the luster has faded, and that sense of freshness is gone. Also, the talents of the original voice cast are missed, to at least a small degree.

But the film's message is so refreshingly sweet and honest, you can't help but feel good about yourself as you walk out of the theater. And while the film is targeted at young children, there's some goofy humor and winning songs (by longtime Disney tunesmiths the Sherman brothers) to ensure that it's not a chore for their parents. That and the fact that the whole thing clocks in at less than 80 minutes give it a leg up on the competition.

Then there's the wise decision to build the movie around the most scene-stealing of author A.A. Milne's characters, Tigger (voiced by Jim Cummings, replacing the ailing Paul Winchell).

Here, Tigger is more down in the dumps than bouncy. The problem is, he's ready to play, while his pals Pooh (Cummings again), Piglet (John Fiedler) and Rabbit (Ken Sansom) are busy making preparations for winter. And though Roo (Nikita Hopkins) is a great bouncer, Tigger realizes that what he really needs to find is another Tigger, if there is one.

And so he sets off to an uncharted part of the Hundred Acre Woods to find the "Tigger family tree," where he believes a whole slew of them are hiding. Unfortunately, it looks like he may really be "the only one" of his kind.

However, his friends aren't about to let on. In fact, they agree to a ruse — including writing a phony letter from his "relatives" — to convince him otherwise. But that only seems to make things worse.

The story is not based on one of Milne's stories, but screenwriters Eddie Guzelian and Jun Falkenstein (who also directed the film) do a good job of faking it.

So does the animation crew, which consists largely of Japanese animators who re-created the look of original films, right down to the handsome, watercolor-style backgrounds.

Again, some of the original voices are missed — particularly Winchell. That's not to slight the performers here, though, who manage to leave their own indelible marks on the characters.

However, the movie's real star is the Sherman Brothers' songs. Not all of them are as readily memorable as you might hope, but they are a refreshing change of pace from the more formulaic Disney musical numbers.

"The Tigger Movie" is rated G. Though it does feature some mildly menacing scenes, there is no offensive content.