Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001)
By Matt Reedy
Before seeing this movie, I had read many disparaging reviews, most of which complained about the lackluster plot and stiff animation. Expecting the worst, I watched Final Fantasy with the intention of coming away with nothing more than having viewed a two-hour video game. After viewing the film, I can only wonder what the nay-saying critics were talking about, because Final Fantasy is well worth a look-see.
First of all, the plot was much better than expected, for it had a kind of Robert Heinlein meets Japanese Anime feel to it. Some of the story elements seem lifted from other movies, but I challenge anyone to find a completely original film these days. Secondly, the animation is strictly amazing. Attention to detail is taken to the nth level in this movie, making other CGI animated fare look primitive in comparison. Motion-capture was used to give the people a natural feel, and other elements, such as the holographic control panels, the spaceships and the aliens, had fantastic designs. And I can only imagine how much time was spent just animating the main character’s hair.
This is not to say that Final Fantasy is flawless. Some of the dialogue is hokey, and there was something kind of odd with the characters whose voice talents were too recognizable. And fans of the Final Fantasy video games beware, for this movie has NOTHING to do with it’s namesake, No flying fortresses, no spiky-haired teen heroes, no giant sword-guns, not even a single Chocobo. However, what this movie does offer is a decent science fiction story surrounded by groundbreaking animation. Definitely a highlight of the summer blockbusters, so try to catch it before it goes to video.
MR