“Atlantis: The Lost Empire” (2001)

Atlantis: The Lost Empire

Grade: C+

Apparently, Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire has grown in stature to the point where it is now considered an animation cult classic by some. As a child, I never much liked the movie, and now as an adult I’m still not moved by the storyline, though I do have a better appreciation for the distinct visual style. It’s a poor film, nothing more, nothing less, an opinion I’ve held since the age of six. No critical re-evaluation coming from Colin’s Review.

Directing:

The duo of Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise — who also directed Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and The Hunchback of Notre Dame — helm Atlantis: The Lost Empire, their third and final collaboration. Meanwhile, comic book writer Mike Mignola (of Hellboy fame) makes valuable contributions as production designer, with a signature, angular animation style that adds striking neo-noir beauty to every frame.

However, in terms of concepts, Trousdale and Wise pretty much rip directly from Hayao Miyazaki’s Castle in the Sky. Case in point: the great lost city of Atlantis is basically an underwater Laputa, right down to the battleships, the crystals and the robots.

Acting:

The characters are a diverse group of stereotypes, and the voice actors do a nice job bringing them all to life. There’s Michael J. Fox as Milo, the humble nerd with toned pecs; Phil Morris as Dr. Sweet, the black/Native American medic with massive biceps; Jacqueline Obradors as Audrey, the street-smart Puerto Rican mechanic with thick thighs; Claudia Christian as Helga, the sexy blonde German femme fatale with the exciting mammalian protuberances; Don Novello as Vinny, the pyromaniac Italian demolition man who looks like Frank Zappa. And so on, and so forth. All in all, a colorful cast whose voices match their easily distinguishable traits. I’m sure the animators had a fun time drawing everybody.

Writing:

Those interested in the works of Graham Hancock will admire that the film is pretty faithful to modern-day Atlantis alt-history speculations: the 7000 B.C. origin story is a solid estimate for the fabled land’s disappearance. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t go any deeper than that when it comes to Atlantis’ mythology. No Younger Dryas confirmation here. Instead, the narrative is nothing more than a retelling of Miyazaki’s Castle in the Sky, except it’s underwater and American.

Greedy military-industrial complex invades mythical empire for destructive capitalist purposes. Milo is our empathetic white savior, proud protector of the Atlanteans and their culture. The clichéd plot is rushed. Characterization is sacrificed for action. A more serious, introspective tone — probably something similar to Batman: The Animated Series — would’ve better matched the gritty animation style. Instead, the movie is an artful yet empty piece of schlock without purpose or principles.

Music:

James Newton Howard’s adventurous orchestral score, which sounds influenced by the big-budget works of Hans Zimmer, keeps things exciting. It’s a swashbuckling soundtrack with soothing, quieter moments befitting of the oceanic setting. Goes good with Trousdale and Wise’s aquamarine color palette.

Ending (SPOILERS):

Atlantis: The Lost Empire devolves into a confusing, action-packed spectacle during its climax. I’m still not entirely sure how the crystal “Heart of Atlantis” works, but there were plenty of explosions. Fun for the animators and the kiddos, but not very conclusive, coherent or consistent in terms of narrative development. If Helga’s tits didn’t distract you from the film’s lack of substance, then maybe the special effects will? The final battle lasts far too long, ending Atlantis in an unsatisfying manner, ensuring that the sequel (Atlantis: Milo’s Return, 2003) will be released direct to DVD.

“You are a scholar, are you not? Judging from your diminished physique and large forehead, you are suited for nothing else!” — Princess Kida

Why Atlantis: The Lost Empire gets a C+

Nicely drawn yet very forgettable, like Disney’s Treasure Planet (2002) and Dreamworks’ Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003).

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