Of all the Disney animated classics that came out in the 2000s (aka the post-Disney Renaissance era), there are 3 films released during that time that I feel got a bad rap: Home On The Range, Chicken Little (yes, really) and for today’s topic, Atlantis: The Lost Empire. It’s always baffled me how this movie received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Then again, this wouldn’t be the first time Disney released a divisive film in their catalog (i.e. Hunchback of Notre Dame) and it won’t be the last (Star Wars Episode 8, anyone?). All that said, I think this film deserves to be reevaluated, especially considering it’s cult status as of now.
To start off, the story, while familiar, is given a new spin with exciting action sequences, witty humor and a unique take on the Atlantis mythos. The scene in which our heros try to escape the leviathan is really intense as it showcases the power of the metallic creature and the fear on the crew member’s faces as they try to escape. The climax is also littered with memorable moments and witty one liners from the characters, such as discovering the use of laser beams on the Atlantian ship (Vinnie: “Okay, now we getting somewhere.”) and Milo’s battle with Rourke (Rourke to Milo: “Well, I have to hand it to you. You’re a bigger pain in the neck than I would’ve ever thought possible! I consider myself an even-tempered man. It takes a heck of a lot to get under my skin. But congratulations: you just won the solid-gold kewpie doll!”).
Speaking of characters, each of them is brought to life with brilliant writing and excellent voice acting. Milo is instantly likable, optimistic, adventurous and very smart, with Michael J. Fox selling his adorkable nature. There’s also Kidagakash (Kida for short), played flawlessly by Cree Summer. She’s eager to learn about what life on the surface is like, has moments where she’s shows here funny side and is a fierce warrior. The late James Garner voices Rourke, and while is is the standard “greedy villian,” it’s Garner’s portayal of the character that makes him stand out as a wisecracking commanding officer. Then there are the supporting characters who all provide the best laughs and deliver the best lines in the film. Sweet (Phil Morris) is a fast taking, caring and welcoming character while Audrey (Jacquelin Obradors) is a spunky and brash mechanic who’s so much fun to be around. Mole (Corey Burton) is a funny comic relief character who provides most of the laughs in the film, Helga (Claudia Christian) is a sassy and headstrong silecond in command, Vinny (Don Novello) is a chilled out demolition man who has some of the most memorable lines and finally we have Packard (played by the late Florence Stanley), Mr. Whitmore (played by the late John Mahoney), Cookie (played by the late Jim Varney) and Kashekim, the King of Atlantis (played by the late Leonard Nimoy). When the characters aren’t cracking one liners, they’re delivering some momerable moments throughout the film.
It worth mentioning how the animation is so uniquely stylized with the characters having a more human looking the design than previous or future Disney animated movies. “Why wasn’t this live action?” I hear you ask. Step 1: It was the decision of producer Don Hahn and directors Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise and Step 2: The animation helps sets this movie apart from, let’s say, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. The score by James Netwon Howard helps make the film grand dios and adventurous, with the best sequence being Kida’s transformation.
My only gripe with the film is in it’s admittedly predictable story, but the film is so entertaining, I’m willing to forgive it. This film has all the makings of a great adventure and it delivered spectacularly IMO. It’s funny, the characters are memorable, the animation is gorgeous and the score gets me pumping for every second of the film. Check it out if you haven’t already. Thanks so much for reading, and I’ll see you soon.
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