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Plot Summary
The dreams of a wanna-be scientist named Milo Thatch (voiced by Michael J Fox)
come true when a lost book pertaining to the culture of the ancient city of Atlantis surfaces. A friend of
Milo's grandfather sends Milo with a large team of explorers to find the city and unlock the mysteries of the
legendary myth.
| | Film Review
Disney's been testing the audience as of late with last year's super off-the-wall (but delightful) The Emperor's New Groove
and now with the action/adventure Atlantis: The Lost Empire. This fantasy adventure film isn't much more
than your basic action film simply illustrated as opposed to acted out in live action. Its audience is geared more towards
the younger crowd, but has enough to please the older crowd as well. Any problems? Oh, yeah...
The fantasy of the Atlantis story tends to get more outrageous, in a spiritual sense, as the story progresses.
As a unique story with an interesting plot and fun characters, the movie excells. On a more spiritual, true-to-life
account, there are many dangerous elements here. (Possible SPOILERS ahead!) We find out that a
"deity" is what keeps the Atlantis population alive (who
have incidentally lived for thousands of years-- they also make reference to "the gods"). Crystals have special healing powers and
also are the people's source of power, life, and energy. The story places much emphasis on these crystals. (End of Spoilers) God
is made reference to a couple times in a positive light. Milo also quotes the book of Job, at one point, in a positive manor.
However, that is about the extent of the references to Christian beliefs. The rest is fantasy and pretty much New Age.
Personally, it didn't ruin my experience of the film because I know the truth and that this fantasy/adventure film
is meant to be taken as such and is just an entertaining piece of fiction. However, if this material would be offensive
to you or something you wouldn't want to confuse your child with, I suggest not seeing. If necessary, you could always
pull your child aside before you go into the theater and make it clear to them that the film they're about to see is completely
false and none of the magical elements are true.
With that said, the rest of the film's elements are pretty good. The movie mixes just enough of a
youthful focus with a serious action side and some down-right funny comic relief. However, the film is far from
being the best animated Disney film. Some plot elements are indeed too contrived while the film tends to move
at a pace that leaves several of the characters (if not all) too flat and underdeveloped. Although not anywhere
the complete miss that Titan A.E ended up being, Atlantis does indeed fall a little short
of being the super hit it boasts and makes you expect it to be. If you do see it, just remember that the
absolute highlight of the film is Vinny the demolitions expert.
So all in all, I thought the movie was still pretty enjoyable. Disney might have some work to do before they
perfect the animated adventure genre, but Atlantis is a decent start.
If you have any questions or comments about the film before you see it (if you
decide to), feel free to contact me.
- John DiBiase
(reviewed: 7/6/01)
Parental Guide: Quick Summary of Content
 Sex/Nudity: Helga is seen acting in a seductive
manner while in Milo's room. Kida's outfit is not much more than a skimpy 2-piece bathing suit.
Vulgarity/Language: 1 "Good L-rd"
Alcohol/Drugs: 2 references are separately made to whiskey and white wine (but neither is seen)
Blood/Gore: Milo has a little bit of blood on his fingers
after touching a bloody scrape on his chest. Later we see Milo has a bloody lip after being punched.
We see a character receive a cut to his arm which leads
to what appears to be a 'supernatural infection' of sorts that quickly consumes his body.
Violence: Many explosions which result in the death of random people; People fight; A person is punched;
A person is cut; Some things catch on fire, etc.
** Disclaimer: All reviews are based solely on the opinions of the reviewer. Most
reviews are rated on how the reviewer enjoyed the film overall, not on content. However, if the content
really affects the reviewer's opinion of the film, it will definitely affect the reviewer's rating.
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** (see below notation)
- for action violence.
