February 14, 2000 -- "The Tigger Movie" is a cute, utterly harmless movie for kids. True to the Disney tradition, it is wholesome entertainment. It is warm, fuzzy, fun and loaded with positive things to say about friendship and family.

As the title suggests, the self-absorbed Tigger (voice by Jim Cummings, who also does the voice of Pooh in the movie) is the star of the show, as he takes off in search of his family, only to find out they were right there under his nose the whole time, as the Roo boy wants to be his brother and the rest of the characters also care deeply about him.

The movie combines both live action footage and traditional cartoon media. Tom Attenborough plays Christopher Robin. The 100-Acre Wood scenes are warm, featuring soft earth tones, until winter sets in. The friendship between the little Roo (nine-year-old Nikita Hopkins provides the voice) and Tigger is touching, but my favorite character is the eternally pessimistic and long-suffering Eeyore (voice by Peter Cullen). The only remaining cast member from the original short Pooh films is John Fiedler, the voice of Piglet. Ken Sansom does the voice of the Rabbit, Kath Soucie provides the voice for Roo's mother, Kanga, and Andre Stojka is the voice of the Owl.

The movie includes songs by the Academy Award-winning brothers Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, who have done songs for several other Disney movies, including "Mary Poppins," and all of the previous Disney Pooh short features. This is their first return to movie work in 30 years. There's also a song by Kenny Loggins. The musical score is by Harry Gregson-Williams ("The Rock" and "Enemy of the State").

This is my first chance to see these characters at length, having not read the books, or seen any of the previous short movies or videos. I saw snippets of some TV specials. "The Tigger Movie" is a throwback to the simpler, gentler times. Its a movie about loneliness, friendship and family. There is no "edge" to it. I found it refreshing to see a movie with no edge. I find edginess tiring. It's a great movie for kids. Adults may find it a bit thin, however. It rates a B.

Click here for links to places to buy this movie in video and/or DVD format, the soundtrack, books, even used videos, games and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.