Brother Bear is alright to me, I love the humor and I love the Message.
But what hooked me up with Brother Bear is the soundtrack, I really love 'em, if I ever feel burnout from The Lion King soundtrack? I would usually change it to BB.
I really love On My Way and Welcome, it shows how universal the music is with putting movie content at the same time.
I would list The Lion King, Emperor's New Groove, and Brother Bear as my favorite Disney soundtrack.
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Yeah, you're right. They aimed at the right target on making another movie like TLK. That's why I was hype watching it on cinema 11 years ago, I was pleased with the movie, As above it's alright because it's been 5 years since I watch the movie, unlike TLK that I can watch anytime I want on my PC.
I like when you said "Spiritual successor" for TLK, for me (IMO) it is true that they want to attract us again with similar message and animation.