Disney is Back (It's about time)

I've always been a very big fan of animated films, because of the artistry and extremely hard work that's involved in creating a good one. Disney, the creators of and popular "crown jewel" of animated films, have had their share of greatness, and more than their share of crap. The past few years have been mostly on the end of "crap." Well, that ends now.

When I first saw a trailer for "Atlantis," it was the first sign I've seen in a while that Disney still has a pulse. The film itself proves that Disney is finally coming back from their doldrums.

THE GOOD:

"Atlantis" is visually stunning. The style is very different from Disney's previous films, which works to its advantage, making it look less like Disney and more like something new and different.

Ideally, that's what makes "Atlantis" so great, is that it is very different from anything Disney's done. More violent, more adult, more daring. After all, a few hundred people die in the film's opening. That's something that really makes me take notice that Disney has grown beyond its merchandising cuteness, and back to the art of animation.

The acting is wonderful all around. Michael J. Fox is great, as is Cree Summer as Kida.

Although the story is familiar, and borrows from several other films (most notably, "Stargate"), it is told in an unconventional and original manner. No story is original anymore, so when a film comes along that tells a fairly unoriginal concept in a great new way, it's as original as anything can get.

James Newton Howard is fast becomming one of my favorite film composers, and his score for "Atlantis" does not disappoint. I just wish they would've nixed that lame "pop" song in the credits.

THE BAD:

The film has its share of humor, and 90% of it is quick-witted adult humor. But there are those moments, though few there be, that Disney tries to amuse the kids (i.e. a whoppe cushion, and the whole "Mole" character.) Luckily, these attempts don't muck up the film.

The worst thing that happened during the film was when, approx. 10 minutes in, the film slowed down and burned right before my eyes. It was the first time I'd ever seen a film print actually melt. I'm just glad it happened early, before the film's pace really started to pick up.


On a final note, this movie is not your typical Disney fodder, so if I were you, I'd keep the smaller children at home. The film is exciting, which can scare the smaller children. Also, some sections, where Atlantean is spoken, are subtitled- so slow readers beware.

On the whole, "Atlantis" is one fantastic movie. It's about time Disney released a film that could stand up with the great kings of the past.