Alpha and Omega

In the animated kiddie movie "Alpha and Omega," sometimes the wolves look like wolves and sometimes they look and move like humans, most notably the female wolves, who often bear an uncanny resemblance to Dora the Explorer.

That should tip you off to the target audience for this unexceptional 3-D offering, which is also available in 2-D for those looking to avoid paying a ticket surcharge for low-budget animation.

And, really, why stop there?

The movie's visual flatness would work best at home on the small screen, where young girls (and maybe their big sisters) would enjoy the film's gentle, romantic shadings.

"Alpha and Omega" tells the story of the emerging love between Humphrey (voiced by Justin Long), a goofball omega wolf, and Kate (Hayden Panettiere), a foxy alpha wolf he's been crushing on since he was a pup. Alphas and omegas can't marry, though, and, besides, Kate has been promised to an alpha wolf from another pack to settle a turf war. (Don't ask -- it's a silly plot contrivance.)

A golfing goose (Larry Miller) and his British caddy (Eric Price) add a little humor, and the late Dennis Hopper turns up, voicing the menacing leader of the rival pack. But the story comes off as patchwork, with a climax cribbed from "The Lion King" and odd musical sequences that seem inspired by, ahem, classic Mariah Carey. It's not quite the vision of love intended.

 

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"Alpha and Omega" Movie Trailer

 

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MPAA rating: PG (for rude humor and some mild action).

Running time: 1:27.

Voice Cast: Justin Long (Humphrey); Hayden Panettiere (Kate); Dennis Hopper (Tony); Danny Glover (Winston); Larry Miller (Marcel); Eric Price (Paddy/Mooch).

Credits: Directed by Anthony Bell and Ben Gluck; written by Christopher Denk and Steve Moore; produced by Richard Rich, Ken Katsumoto, Moore. A Lionsgate release.