Animated studio fare, with a few notable exceptions, keeps striving superficially for evolution while failing to transcend age-old formulas. Sophisticated aesthetics are injected here and there to up the wow factor, but for all the advances in the rendering of texture, light, shadow and movement, it's often just window-dressing for another family-friendly fable involving a rogueish hero and a feisty female (who tend to sound like Hollywood's top superstars of the moment) and the fantastical adventures that bring them reluctantly together.

"Sinbad," in which the eponymous pirate (voiced by Brad Pitt, though looking more like Johnny Depp) is inspired to overcome his selfish ways and save the world from an evil goddess (Michelle Pfeiffer) after matching wits with stow-away Marina (Catherine Zeta-Jones), is an entertaining, energetic variant of the blueprint, but it is disappointing that the elaborate set pieces and charismatic characters are ultimately in service of nothing more than the same old story.

There are flashes of something more complex and exhilarating in the wicked gleam of a siren's eyes and in the shifting sands that pour themselves preternaturally to reveal and then bury long-ruined monuments, but such magical moments are too greatly outnumbered by overly familiar fantasy-adventure scenarios. Voiced by Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michelle Pfeiffer. Directed by Tim Johnson and Patrick Gilmore. Written by John Logan. Produced by Mireille Soria and Jeffrey Katzenberg. A DreamWorks release. Animated/Adventure. Rated PG for adventure action, some mild sensuality and brief language. Running time: 86 min.