Review of Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001) by Alex M — 11 Feb 2010

She's under the influence of the phantoms.

The world, as we know it, has been taken over by mysterious phantoms. People have survived in technologically advanced fortresses that keep the phantoms out. Almost everything on Earth is dead. Two doctors believe they have found evidence that supports a possible solution to the phantom problem but the government does not support their theory. Will the scientists prevail without the support of the government or will the phantoms ultimately take over the Earth?

"We're surrounded.".

"No shit.".

Hironobu Sakaguchi, director of numerous video games including Final Fantasy I, II, IV, & V, Blue Dragon, and Lost Odyssey, delivers Final Fantasy in his directorial debut. The storyline for this picture is fascinating and well delivered. The animation is stunning and the voiceovers are wonderful. The cast includes Alec Baldwin, Ving Rhames, Steve Buscemi, Donald Sutherland, James Woods, Keith David, and Jean Simmons.

"The phantoms inside me were beginning to win.".

Final Fantasy is a movie that was greatly anticipated upon its release due to the resources that were dedicated to this picture. It also was the first major motion picture dedicated to this wonderful video game series; however, this film failed to deliver on its promising premise. The film took its own direction and did not feel like the video game series at all. I'm not sure why they decided to deliver a movie with a Resident Evil feel rather than a Final Fantasy genre picture, but the phantom element was strange and felt awkward at times. Overall, this is worth viewing but not worth owning.

"This city may be lost but we are not.".

Grade: C+.