FamilyFans Movies

☼☼☼

ATLANTIS (PG)

Plot Summary: A museum curator joins a team of adventurers in search of the lost island of Atlantis.

Reason for the Rating: Action violence.

OK, first we need to point out that no matter how many of your ancestors die, they still won’t join together to create an all-powerful god to protect you and your little island paradise. Now, if you and your kids can get past that bit of Eastern religious baggage forced into an animated film, then your entire family should really enjoy the latest Disney masterpiece, ATLANTIS.

Visually stunning, often humorous, and superbly acted by voice-over talent like Michael J. Fox, James Garner, Cree Summer, and John Mahoney, this movie is surprisingly impressive. Although it’s overshadowed in popularity the by crudeness and toilet-humor of SHREK, ATLANTIS achieves an almost classic literary quality that’s hard to resist.

Here’s the story: Museum worker, Milo Thatch (Michael J. Fox), aspires to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and search for the long-lost city of Atlantis---an ancient, but advanced, island civilization that was engulfed in water and buried at sea. When Preston B. Whitmore (voiced by John Mahoney) recruits him to join an expedition to find the lost kingdom, the adventures begin.

Trekking through imaginative obstacles (like mechanical sea monsters and incendiary fireflies) with a colorful cast of sidekicks/adventurers, Milo and his pals overcome all to find the magical paradise hidden beneath the sea. But there is a traitor in their midst, and Milo must find a way to rescue both himself and the lost world of ATLANTIS.

Although there’s much to admire in this film, the best part is that it actually has a plot---not just a half-wit premise that’s an excuse for lame jokes and a way to fill 80 minutes of a movie. The plot is filled with action, sure, but in the end it’s the story that matters---and that keeps you hooked. 

Although it may be too sophisticated for younger kids, expect this one to get repeated viewing requests from children with an interest in imaginative storytelling of a classic style.

FamilyFans.com Recommends: Take the whole family and enjoy ATLANTIS---but be ready to discuss with children the Eastern religious influences incorporated into the story

 After the Show…If members of your family choose to view this movie, use these questions to spark discussion about it afterward:

-- What did you like best about ATLANTIS? Least? Why?

-- If there really were an Atlantis out there, what do you think it might be like?

-- In the movie, all the dead kings of the past combined together to create a god-like protector of Atlantis. What really happens when people die? Explain.

Mike Nappa

☼☼☼

Note: All movie-related graphics in this column are standard publicity/promotional shots and are owned by their respective movie studios.