The Pagemaster

Taking its cue from The Incredible Mr. Limpet, this 1994 animated fantasy is framed by live-action sequences starring Macaulay Culkin as Richard Tyler, a pathetically phobic young boy, who takes shelter from a fierce storm inside a library, where books come to animated life, transporting Richard into the stories of Captain Ahab, Long John Silver and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The film never really recovers from the ill-conceived opening sequence in which the library is portrayed not as a storehouse of wonders, but as a creepy, foreboding place (it's manned by Christopher Lloyd doing his patented eccentric shtick). Nor may parents approve of the film's ending, in which the newly empowered Richard gives in to peer pressure and performs a dangerous bicycle stunt to prove his bravery. But if a cartoon Culkin inspires younger viewers to check out Moby Dick or Treasure Island, it may be worth a look. The voice cast includes Whoopi Goldberg and Patrick Stewart as the talking books Fantasy and Adventure, with Leonard Nimoy as Jekyll. Presented in widescreen and pan-and-scan, with a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, the DVD includes a "making of" and the music video "Dream Away." A strong optional purchase. (K. Lee Benson)