The United Arab Emirates finally got around to discovering CG animation and after sitting on the shelf since 2015, Bilal is ready for the world to take notice. On the plus side, the background layouts are exquisite, as are the strikingly detailed long shots and sleek editing composed for movement. It’s when we get to character close-ups, with their soulless hollowed-out eyes and PVC complexions, that the visuals begin to resemble an open-casket video game. The story of a young slave who grows to be a mighty warrior (and in this case the BFF of Prophet Muhammad) has been told ad infinitum, so far be it for animator Khurram H. Alavi’s narrative to stray too far from the formula. Those looking for a religious picture will probably find one. Per usual, I was on the hunt for animation storytelling techniques. With the exception of a rare anthropomorphic blast, there’s not much in the film that couldn’t have been achieved with flesh and blood performers. (2015) — Scott Marks
This movie is not currently in theaters.