Not much creativity left in the gas tank over at Dreamworks on this one. Plotwise, it is really simple, the jokes are somewhat humorous, but it just seemed too contrived. Denis Leary sounded like he just didn't really want to be there. In the AMC theater I went to, the lamp in their digital projector is getting dim and probably needed replacing, so the 3D effect wasn't worth the extra bucks.
Without giving away the ending, suffice it to say, this is an animated movie that shows the power of perseverance and self determination. A great message to children everywhere. Seen it with my 7 year daughter twice and 2 year old son once. Yes... 2 years old. He sat still for 90% of the movie, but never took his eyes off the screen except to grab some popcorn or drink.
Very visual movie with great colors, interesting main characters and, of course, there's that meaning at the end of the story that brings it all together.
Pleasurable time with the kids... and... it will make a great addition to the home theater later!!
P.S.: Try to see this in a digital cinema instead of film. It wasn't shot on film so you have a really pristine picture worth seeing on digital.