Whispers: An Elephant's Tale

This instantly forgettable Disney pick-up, which received scant theatrical release, is best enjoyed without sound, the better to appreciate the breathtaking live-action footage of African landscapes and majestic wildlife. Unfortunately, the filmmakers had to spoil it all by dubbing in human voices and imposing inane dialogue and an unoriginal story about a newborn elephant named Whispers, who is separated from his loving mother. Shades of Dumbo, he is shunned by his new herd and must make his way in the world in the company of Groove (voiced by Angela Bassett), a crusty pachyderm misfit. The villains are human hunters whom the elephants call "takers"; in actuality, it's the audience who is taken. Not recommended. (K. Lee Benson)