Atlantis: The Lost Empire

2001 • 95 minutes

About this movie

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.

Ratings and reviews

This came out when I was just seven, and ever since I've never forgotten the title. Atlantis has been that one movie I have watched repeatedly, and yet, remain amused and enjoy it everytime. Atlantis is a movie that while is based for older children audience, its has more than enough adult and very mature themes for adults to watch and be engaged. Generally you see "Walt Disney" and assume it's simply for kids. This movie is certainly not like that. This art style/design, and collaboration of CGI and hand drawn, didn't last long in Disney. But helps it stand far-out from the new movies of today. The overall story is as you expect from Disney. That also includes that dark Disney style we all seem to expect from this era. And at that, this one is decently dark as many people do die in this. As a personal note, the era in which this takes place, gives it something special. You discover Atlantis in this high tech world we live in today, and it almost seems stupidly cliche. Things are just so conveniently done and found. This takes a bit of a twist, being it is done in early 1900's. Discovery is done not by computers and satellites, but done by maps, geography, and myths. My personal favorite is the WW1 military practical (maybe a bit fantasy and prototype) vehicles and equipment. This movie forever is held in my heart as my all time favorite. Do give it a watch and just, intake the majestic vibe, that is Atlantis.

In 360 B.C., a philosopher in Ancient Greece named Plato has told a legendary story about a fantastical place in the Atlantic Ocean called Atlantis, as a result this place has disappeared and there are hardly any reports. Until a scientist named Milo Thatch is so determined to find it with the help of his group of odd yet supportive allies. Animated filmmakers "Gary Trousdale" and "Kirk Wise" (directors/co-writers) transcends this legend; "Atlantis: the lost empire" is an epic rollicking journey that is a parallel throwback to "20,000 leagues under the sea" by Jules Verne that is in the form of animation and science-fiction, and it is a compelling story that contains exceptional themes like morality, knowledge, and involves awareness towards greed. The storytelling is skillfully told, thanks to the excellent direction by Gary, Kirk, and his crew. The story has some great turns and a few considerable twists. Their direction alongside the slick screenplay by Tad Murphy provides a striking sense of timing used for the hearty comedy and gripping suspense. I have to point out that they are sly enough to make eructation actually funny in one scene. The action will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat, from the dangerously awe-inspiring encounter with the monstrous leviathan, all the way to the exhilarating final climax. Surprisingly, the action is quite intense and shocking for a family-friendly animated film, which is why this movie is suitable for kids eight and up. There is even a touching element that goes deep to reveal the truth about the heart of Atlantis and the crystals found in Atlantis. The entertainment value here is high and thoroughly effective; constantly throwing strong execution while offering something relevant, like the themes even some inspiration for families; gaining knowledge to be aware and solve problems. Families will also reenact the adventure elements. The score by James Newton Howard really adds something wonderful to this movie; it is big enough to match the size of the movie, it is lively enough to enhance the adventure aspect of the film, and there are also some beautifully emotional elements of the score with a choir and Indonesian instruments to reflect the beauty and emotion of the film. The animation is remarkable; it is a gorgeously-drawn animated film that is an astonishing mixture of hand-drawn traditional animation and three-dimensional CGI with dazzling colors; it is like you are seeing gorgeous illustrations of a comic book coming to life. The animation even provides sharp execution for the comedy and the action. The artwork by David Goetz is so spectacular; the magnificent designs of the places underwater and underground immersed me into this imaginative world, and there are a handful amount of images that have an grand sense of scale. The characters are so much fun; each character here has a distinct personality, and they all have some backgrounds and surprises to keep you engaged. Milo Thatch is a likable protagonist; he is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and he is voiced by Michael J. Fox with exquisite precision, and I enjoyed his voice performance. Kida Nedakh (Cree Summer) is the princess of Atlantis. The chemistry between Milo and Kida is so unique and enjoyable to watch, because the romantic aspect of their chemistry avoids the usual romantic cliches. Jim Varney voices Cookie with his funny Western accent. Corey Burton is hilarious as Mole; a wacky Geologist. Phil Morris as Dr. Sweet is amusing with his briskly-paced talking. Don Novello is also amusing as Vinny the Italian Demolition expert with his dry delivery. Leonard Nimoy sounds emotional as King Kashekim Nedakh. Commander Rourke (James Garner) is a conniving leader of greed and machismo. Claudia Christian voices the sidekick of Rourke (Lieutenant Sinclair) with her serious resonance. In conclusion: With a large amount of captivating concepts, excellent craftsmanship with brilliant results, and fantastic animation, this animated romp must be alongside Dreamworks "Shrek" as a winner for families. Highly Recommended!

However, that scene with that supernatural power source they call the Heart of Atlantis, that was the best. The hero and the princess, okay, the secondary characters, meh. I hated the villain Rourke. I didn't like Helga much either, but you gotta give her points during the final battle when Rourke threw her out of the hot air balloon. Even though Helga was just as doomed as Rourke, at least she retaliated in her own way. Like Helga said, "Nothing personal."