THIS is the latest full length animated feature from the makers of The Prince Of Egypt, The Road To El Dorado and Spirit: Stallion Of The Cimarron.

Like these three previous films, this rollicking romp is distinguished by gorgeous visuals and bravura use of computer animation with traditional hand-drawn artistry.

Unfortunately, the script and the characterisation are not strong enough to keep the film afloat, and it gradually drowns in its own mediocrity.

Sinbad (voiced by Brad Pitt) is a plucky pirate from Sycaruse, who has travelled the world with his gentle giant first mate Kale (Dennis Haysbert). During the attempted theft of the legendary Book Of Peace from a ship commanded by his old friend, Prince Proteus (Joseph Fiennes), both vessels come under attack from a monstrous sea creature.

Soon after, Eris (Michelle Pfeiffer), the Goddess of Chaos, poses as the pirate to steal the magical tome and the real Sinbad is condemned to death by Proteus' father, King Dymas (Timothy West). Sinbad pleads his innocence of the crime and vows to clear his name by sailing to the mysterious land of Tartarus, were he will steal back the book from Eris.

Loyal to Sinbad, Proteus offers himself to his father in the pirate's place and King Dymas decrees that his son will die in ten days time unless Sinbad returns with the book.

Sinbad and Kale set off to sea, only to fall victim to the Sirens. Thankfully, Proteus' fiance, Marina (Catherine Zeta-Jones), who has always harboured feelings for Sinbad, has secretly stowed on board. She is immune to the Siren song and single-handedly saves Sinbad's crew from a watery grave. And so the adventure begins.

Co-directors Tim Johnson and Patrick Gilmore orchestrate some marvellous set-pieces including thrilling sword fights, exhilarating battles with monsters and an eye-popping sequence in which Sinbad's ship sails off the edge of the world.

The vocal performances are a tad lacklustre, notably Pitt's, and the obligatory central message about the power of friendship is laid on thick. For all its technical brio, Sinbad: Legend Of The Seven Seas lacks the charm and the excitement of the old Ray Harryhausen films from the 70s. Shame.

Rating: 5/10