Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within ★★½ 2001 (PG-13) Photorealistic computer-generated animation may be the highlight of this fantasy adventure, which is based on the videogame series. In the year 2065, life on Earth is threatened by aliens who steal energy from all living things on the planet. A team of scientists, led by Aki Ross (Ming-Na) and Dr. Sid (Sutherland) are at odds with the military, in the form of General Hein (Woods) over how to deal with the creatures. Plot, dialogue, and characterization, the movie's obvious weaknesses, definitely take a back seat to the visuals. The human characters, while not completely lifelike, are the closest anyone's come so far. Where the techology shines is in the landscapes and non-human creatures, which are all striking. 104m/C VHS, DVD, Wide. US
Director:
Hironobu Sakaguchi;
Writer:
Al Reinert, Jeff Vintar;
Cameo:
Elliot Goldenthal; V: Ming Na, Alec Baldwin, Steve Buscemi, Peri Gilpin, Ving Rhames, Donald Sutherland, James Woods, Keith David, Jean Simmons, Matt McKenzie.
