The Jar

Winner of the North Cairo International Film Festival Award for Children in 1999, this Islamic animated near-feature-length effort, a favorite with Muslim audiences, is making its U.S. debut…and…it's…well…not all that much different from well-meaning but bland American cartoon fare. Based on a Prophetic Hadith (traditional saying), the story centers around a family's ethical struggles with questionable newfound wealth: a jar filled with jewels and gold discovered embedded in a wall on property just purchased by Ahmin and his family. Although the jar was likely buried generations ago, Ahmin, eschewing the popular "finders keepers/losers weepers" school of philosophical thought, sets off with his sons to bring the jar to the last landowner, Al. But when Ahnad, a sneaky, evil neighbor, hears about Ahmin's good fortune and (to him) stupid merchandise return policy, he follows the expedition…and, well, let's just say the jar changes hands enough times to comfortably pad out an hour's entertainment. Even with its mild religious references, the dialogue and action here are more or less suitable for international audiences (surely all can relate to the universal pejorative "loser", as well as appreciate Ahnad's moonwalk while rapping out a dastardly tune). Unfortunately, The Jar is just not remarkable enough to recommend. Optional. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)