Review of Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001) by Andy H — 06 Jan 2009

This movie is full of flaws and genius. The first time I watched it, I came to the end and immediately watched it a second time in full. I don't think I've done that with another movie. I can't say for certain why it's such a favorite of mine, but I've come back to it many times and always enjoy it.

It was an ambitious foray into fully-computer-animated films with realistic-looking human characters (not just bubbly cute Pixar cartoon characters). Scene-by-scene it triumphs and then fails, one shot looking hauntingly real, the next wooden and flat. Lots of gorgeous art - tentacled bad guys you could never do in a live-action film, enormous sets not bound by the limits of the Star Wars background painting, slow-motion action packed with expressive detail...

The story is quirky but has a lot of character. A sci-fi action movie with a spiritual/religious angle? Thankfully, the film knows it's a sci-fi fantasy and never tries to become more than that. Pacing, writing, characterization are all stumble-free.

You can't pretend this film is more than an animated sci-fi fantasy flick, but for what it is it's brilliant. There are plenty of cinematic fireworks thrown in with masterfully digital artistry, and good production values throughout to keep it from being a one-trick pony.