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An enjoyable film, but doesn't qualify as the next Disney classic. *** (out of four) , 25 June 2001
Author: Blake French (baffilmcritic@cs.com) from USA
 

ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE / (2001) *** (out of four)

By Blake French:

It's always fun to watch filmmakers break traditional expectations and tread into new waters. "Atlantis: The Lost Empire," Disney's dazzling animation spectacular directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, leaves the expected musical numbers behind to develop concepts and action. It works, and there is certainly nothing wrong with the film's style, but I long for the next Disney classic. The studio has not released a true animation masterpiece in years. "Atlantis: The Lost Empire" is worth a watch, but it doesn't qualify as a contender for the Disney's next classic.

"Atlantis: The Lost Empire" doesn't contain a lot of interesting characters. The film doesn't clearly develop the protagonist, named Milo Thatch (voice of Michael J. Fox), a timid cartographer in 1914. He wants his museum boss to give him money for an exploration where he hopes to find an ancient relic that will provide the information he needs to find the lost island of Atlantis. Milo is a surprisingly bland character. Usually, Disney prospers with strong protagonists, but Milo is week, timid, and bland.

Everyone thinks Milo is crazy, as he babbles about lost empires and ancient cities; it doesn't help that people also accused his late grandfather of insanity. However, a rich old man named Preston B. Whitmore (voice of John Mahoney), who knew Milo's grandfather, has the artifact that Milo so desperately needs.

Preston B. Whitmore funds Milo's exploration; he provides a huge submarine led by Commander Lyle T. Rourke (voice of James Garner). The rest of his crew consists of Vinny Santorini (voice of Don Novello); the young mechanic, Audrey (voice of Jacqueline Obradors); ship doctor Joshua Sweet (voice of Phil Morris); the cook, "Cookie" (voice of the late Jim Varney); the old grumpy switchboard operator, Wilhelmina (voice of Florence Stanley); and "Mole" (voice of Corey Burton). The ship travels to the bottom of the sea, searching the power source of Atlantis. A gigantic monster protecting Atlantis kills much of the crew and damages their ship, but the main characters manage to escape with their lives and some equipment. Finally reaching the Kingdom of Atlantis, they meet a beautiful young princess named Kida (voice of Cree Summer), whose aging father controls the troubled city. However, Milo's fascination with Atlantis has been a distraction from a greater motive that has corrupted the other's minds.

"Atlantis: The Lost Empire" does not capture the heartwarming atmosphere that many other Disney movies did, like "Aladdin," "Beauty and the Beast," and "The Fox and the Hound." This film is adventurous, but lacks actual suspense and tension. An adventure requires motive and reason, and an increasing danger or rising of the stakes. This creates the suspense and tension that keeps us involved. "Atlantis: The Lost Empire" only briefly sketches its characters and quickly establishes the situation. The filmmaking works under the circumstances, but it certainly does not prosper overwhelmingly. The movie does not prepare for a particularly involving finale; the villains don't even come into play until the final act; the audience's involvement is tentative until the last thirty minutes.

Most people will enjoy "Atlantis: The Lost Empire," especially children looking for something more mature than Rugrats and less intense than "Final Fantasy." With its interesting plot and some exciting action sequences, parents may even find themselves enjoying this picture; I certainly had a good time.