A Film Review by Ryo

Release Date: June 2001
Director: Hironobu Sakaguchi, Motonori
Written By: Jeff Vintar, Al Reinert
Music/Soundtrack: Elliot Goldenthal
Cast: Ming-Na, Alec Baldwin, James Woods, Donald Sutherland, Ving Rhames, Steve Buscemi, Peri Gilpin
Rating: PG-13 (Violence, mild profanity)
Distributor: Columbia Pictures (made by Squaresoft)

4 pips

Review:Many know the name of Final Fantasy as a series of wonderful and mystical games. Squaresoft has gone beyond any other gaming company and have made Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. This came to me a great surprise as I'm sure it did to others RPG and gaming fans, but to those who saw or will see it because of it's name, will be rather disappointed. The graphics in the film are like nothing ever seen before. For animation, they are truly amazing. A few scenes almost make you forget that they are not real actors and the scenes are all made up. The story line, whoever well thought out and wonderful, is not Final Fantasy.

The film takes place on a post-apocalyptic world, in 2065, where Earth has been hit by an alien meteor followed by swarms of ghost-like creatures taking over and literally drawing the soul from anyone who crosses their path. The human race has taken to giant, barricaded cities, with a shield against these beings who can pass through solid objects. No one can leave without permission and the military continues to try to find ways to rid the planet of these aliens. They come up with an idea that could very easily kill the planet or it's spirit.

Meanwhile the main character, Aki Ross, gathers special living things with spirits that could be the key to victory. She, along with Doctor Sid, are trying to find a way to "cancel out" the energy waves given off by the aliens and neutralize them at the source. Aki has been infested with an alien virus of some sort and has been having bizarre dreams about battles, and beings unknown. Things start to unfold in front of her and she must find out what it all means before it is to late. This makes for an interesting, if not slightly typical story line. Throw in a military squad made up of rift-raff and it really gets interesting.

The antagonist is a very unusual one in the movie. Besides the aliens that continue to destroy the human race, the military leader, General Hein will stop at nothing to destroy the ghost-like creatures. Even if it means killing the planet. He is so bent on revenge that he frames innocent people to get his way. If this is the future of the military, in the words of C-3PO "We're doomed!" Deep Eye's squad helps out both Aki, and the story line. The Four man team provides the fire-power in several sticky situations. Though having very strange names, they are pretty stereotypical characters. Gray Edwards, the squad leader and old friend of Aki is the "no nonsense" guy who goes strictly by the books. Ryan Whittaker is the "strong as an ox" second-in command. Though very large and intimidating, he is very calm and not aggressive. Jane Proudfoot is the Tom boyish, tough cookie of the bunch. She is very un-trusting and has a few violent streaks. Neil Fleming is the wise-cracking, technical expert. As pessimistic as he is witty, he is one of my favourite characters and provides most of the comedy relief for the movie.

The graphics were excellent and the story line was very well thought out, but a little typical. The film was very enjoyable and I considered it to be worth my money. I would give it a 5, but I think they could have related it a little more to it's title. I would have to give it a 4 with it's little deception.