The movie isn't in the same league as Disney's big four, and it doesn't have the same crossover appeal to adults, but as family entertainment it's bright and cheerful, and it has its moments.

The Swan Princess features gorgeous classical animation and a wonderful vocal cast, but sadly its story is rather bland, simple, and more than a little generic.

Like Hook, Hocus Pocus, and a few other family-friendly flicks from the 1990s, this was so beloved by its target audience that nostalgia has convinced these now-grown-up fans that the movie is actually excellent. Still, it possesses some minor charms.

[It has] this local pedigree that just makes me inclined to to think favorably of it but I have to admit it's not a very strong film.