Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

7/10

Starring the voices of

Michael J. Fox

James Garner

Cree Summer

Don Novello

Phil Morris

Directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise

Before 2001, if you delve back, you’ll see that Disney wasn’t one to jump into the realm of science fiction. Atlantis: The Lost Empire was their first science fiction animated feature, released a year before Treasure Planet (2002), which was also a science fiction adventure.

The movie boasts a different artistic style for its time, and like the movie after it, it wasn’t much of a box office hit. Years later, Atlantis has become one of those Disney movies with a cult following. I can’t seem to find anyone who has seen this movie and not walked away loving it for the story and the way it was animated. This was Disney’s 41st feature film, and it was not aimed at children at all. Just like Treasure Planet (2002), the movie seems to have been made for a more mature audience, and the sad returns led to a sequel being made as a direct-to-video release.

Michael J. Fox was employed to voice the lead character, Milo, and along with some other amazing voice actors, we delve into the adventure of finding Atlantis, the lost empire.

It starts with the introduction of Milo, an adventurer seeking funding to search for the lost city. He seems to be on this hunt just like his grandfather, whom he adores so much.

Set in 1914, Milo’s obsession has led him to be ridiculed at the Smithsonian Institute, where he works. We learn that Milo is a cartographer and a linguist—skills he plans to use to find Atlantis. After his plea for funding is rejected again by the board, he resigns. When he gets home, he’s greeted by a charming lady, who tells him that a benefactor wants to meet him. The man who wants to meet Milo is Whitmore, an old man who had been a partner to Milo’s grandfather. Certain things have come to be, and there is a book Milo’s grandfather left behind with Whitmore. His grandfather believed Whitmore would know the right time to give the book to Milo, and he felt the time was right. Milo believes the book is the key to finding Atlantis.

Whitmore provides the mode of transport, the crew, and the finances needed for Milo to go find Atlantis.

The movie is about their journey, discovery, and the impact of that discovery on their lives. The movie faced issues because it was one of the first animated features not to feature any songs, unlike previous Disney movies. All that aside, it’s a very decent film to watch and enjoy for what it is—a wonderful take on the mythical world underwater.