Atlantis: The Lost Empire

Release Date: June 15, 2001

Watch Date: September 3, 2004

“The world’s most highly qualified crew of archaeologists and explorers are led by historian Milo Thatch as they board the incredible 1,000-foot submarine Ulysses and head deep into the mysteries of the sea. The underwater expedition takes an unexpected turn when the team’s mission must switch from exploring Atlantis to protecting it. Filled with stunning visual effects, this captivating story is loaded with laughs and messages of friendship and teamwork.”

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   It is my sincere opinion that if you are going to watch ‘Treasure Planet’ then you must watch ‘Atlantis: The Lost Empire’ right after. Or vice versa. So, what else was I supposed to pick? Nothing, there was no other option.

   I think this movie is funny, I think it’s cute. I think it’s not as good as Treasure Planet. Not that the writing isn’t as strong, not that the tech isn’t as cool. All those things are true. What’s not as great is the cast of characters.

   Now, don’t get me wrong, I think the Mole is weird, but fun. I like Vinny, Audrey, Cookie, Sweet and the gang. I do. But that’s too many people. Put Milo in there, and the villains, and then Kida. That’s too big of a cast that are simply not going to get focused on or developed in any meaningful way. Sweet, Audrey and Vinny. They’re the only ones that get backstories, and the only ones that needed to be included in the mercenary gang, since they’re the only ones that do real important jobs. Sorry Mole.

   And you have to cut the cast because what you’re going to spend most of your time on, what Disney does spend most of it’s time on, is being proud of it’s designs. The big submarine. The city of Atlantis. Their vehicles. The crystal. The carvings. That’s going to be it’s own character, and just like Milo, we’re going to be awestruck and sit back and admire it. And you’re going to have to explain a lot.

   And Disney does all of the above, but mix in a few too many characters and personalities and stories get lost. I bet if I asked Bob he wouldn’t even know that Vinny’s family owned a flower shop, or why it’s his dream to reopen one.

   One thing that Bob pointed out, on his first viewing no less, that I never noticed was how heavily influenced by Jules Verne this film is. You’ve got a giant advance far beyond it’s time submarine like 20,000 Leagues, though of course that gets taken out relatively early. Then you’ve got a trip deep through the earth to find an ancient ruined city and an attempt to escape via dormant volcano shaft. I don’t know how that all escaped me. But Bob, despite his constant plea that his memory is crap, made that connection right away.

   If I had to tell you which film was stronger, I’m going to pick out ‘Treasure Planet’ every time. But Atlantis is good. Kida is an interesting princess, and if Pocahontas can be considered a Disney princess I don’t know why Kida isn’t. I wish the television show had been more successful so I could have spent more time with this cast of characters and gotten to know them, at Atlantis, a little better. And, as I said at the beginning, if you’re going to listen to my last post and watch ‘Treasure Planet’, make sure ‘Atlantis’ is the immediate follow up.