Atlantis: The Lost Empire

IMDB
First time viewed: No
Current Release: No
Watched With: Mum

I've been on a bit of a disney bend lately. This is another one that doesn't really fit into the idea of classic disney animation. It's actually more of a Jules Verne style adventure film, like Journey to the Centre of the Earth or Around the World in 80 Days. As such, there are types of characters in this film that are unusual for disney animation too. An old eccentric funds a young scientist and a team of explorers to find the lost city of Atlantis. There are some great actors providing the voice talent and it's a much more serious tone with only minimal annoying comedic relief.

I do love these old adventure movies this one is modelled after and they get the tone and characters spot on. It's an exciting ride and thankfully it's never interrupted by show tunes or talking animals. As the crew slogan read "Fewer songs, more explosions." I believe with this and Treasure Planet, Disney was trying to get boys to come back to watch animation who refused to sit through princess stories. Apparently they are going to continue to head in that direction now. If they can be as good as Atlantis, that's fine with me. I didn't like Treasure Planet that much.

What this film has going for it that the old adventure movies didn't is the imaginative and beautiful scope of the backgrounds and sets and some awesome large scale destruction. I think with animation it's easier to make the backgrounds and fx work feel part of the whole than with live action, especially in the 60's and 70's when many of these films were made. There is a great design aesthetic to the look of the film and a very detailed and though out mythology providing the backdrop of the story, for those willing to look.

Most importantly, it's fun and entertaining. There's some cool actions set pieces and the expected character double crossing and romance. James Newton Howard provides his usual level of awesomeness with the music. I love the fx design of the lazer blasts and Atlantian magic stuff. If you're ok without the princesses and songs, this is another fine work of animation.