Review: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within

By Jack July 12, 2001 3:41 PM

I'm sure our great-grandparents viewed The "Jazz Singer" with mixed feelings. They saw how corny and stilted the movie was. But they also heard actors talk for the first time. That's how I felt watching the new animated space adventure, "Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within."



Other movies have been made entirely on computers, but Final Fantasy is the first to attempt realistic human characters. It should be seen, not for the movie itself, but for the way it has been made.

The characters of Final Fantasy are incredible, having been created entirely in CG, they look very human, with hair follicles, pores, freckles and glistening eyes whose pupils open and close with the light.

The reality concept isn't perfect: Movement is sometimes animatronic, and the eyes lack the spark of life, although it's hard to say why.

Backgrounds enviroments are beautiful, mountains that look so real you would never know that they are CG generated. So is the eagle and other animals seen thoughout the movie.

If only the story, a routine space opera, were as original as the graphics. Here, an embattled planet Earth fights creatures that are sometimes invisible and sometimes take the shape of giant fiery calamari, until ever-trusty blasters splatter them before they can invade and take over human bodies.

Conclusion: If you see the movie trust me, you won't care about the story -- or remember it. You'll spend your time closely watching the characters of Final Fantasy, just to see whether they breath. I bestow upon Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within a 6/10 rating.

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RE: Review: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within   reply

Posted by 100% AMERICAN (hellskitchen_@hotmail.com) on July 12, 2001 2:23 PM

Looking forward to it, as well as the re-released "Tom & Jerry" Movie, another brilliant piece.

RE: Review: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within   reply

Posted by FredHater (fred_hater@hotmail.com) on July 12, 2001 3:23 PM

DVD Fodder...will require ganja

RE: Review: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within   reply

Posted by Jack (jack@dtheatre.com) on July 12, 2001 3:48 PM

For those of you unfamiliar with film history, "Jazz Singer" was the first (Partial-)Talking-Picture starring Al Jolson.

You can find out more about it here http://us.imdb.com/Title?0018037.

RE: Review: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within   reply

Posted by allknowing (you'llneverfindme.com) on July 13, 2001 6:47 AM

its movies like this that make me think that we (as a veiwing public)
haven't been watching real actors/actresses in years..
actually in some cases the cgi would be better than watching the actor/actresses......

RE: Perhaps   reply

Posted by 100% AMERICAN (hellskitchen_@hotmail.com) on July 13, 2001 8:52 AM

Allknowing:

  I think you are correct, these high tech cartoons are far better than Pauly Shore, and Will Smith. But try watching the following recent movies:
Brave Heart
The Usual Suspects
The Game
Almost Famous
Seven
A River Runs Through It
Fear and Loathing in Los Vegas
L.A. Confidential

There are many amazing movies that travel through our theatres. They don't need computer generated dinosaurs, or dorky high-tech animation to set new standards. Perhaps one day in the future these cartoons will be so "real" that actual thesbians will no longer be required, but that day is far off, these Final Fantasy characters are interesting, but in no way can they even compare with the acting ability of hundreds if not thousands of actors and actresses gracing the silver screen today.

RE: RE: Perhaps   reply

Posted by allknowing (you'llneverfindme.com) on July 13, 2001 9:44 AM

I agree, but I still think you underestimate the abilities of this technological war zone..
Disney already proved that you don't need the actor to have them star in a film, granted using stock voices, and making cartoons isn't my point...
how do you really know..
yes there are great actors/actresses but they are unbelievably out numbered my the computer tech/animator/graphic artist types...

RE: RE: RE: Perhaps   reply

Posted by 100% AMERICAN (hellskitchen_@hotmail.com) on July 13, 2001 9:57 AM

if these movies continue to do so well in terms of big box office numbers, then it's got a chance to really explode in the near future (20 years), but that formula requires a great variety of these pictures, and I doubt Hollywood will stray far from the Sci-Fi or Disney like Motion Picture. In which case I think people will get bored of them. Maybe not on a global level, or even the Sci-Fi type variety, but in general. Without great variety, which would really prove the versatility of this technology, I don't think it will ever take over. Folks are already getting bored with computer generated movies, and although "Lord of the Rings" will no doubt do well, C.G. has not dominated like so many in the industry thought it would.

RE: Review: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 13, 2001 11:27 AM

I thought the movie was really good. The story may not have been amazing but I really didn't think it was that bad. I was incredibly impressed with the CG and even the story once I was finished the movie. It did have its own story but still related to the whole Final Fantasy series of games.

RE: Review: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 13, 2001 12:49 PM

Yes, the story was fairly weak with many holes.  Yes, the graphics were stunning and awe-inspiring.  This was excellent use of technology and another attempt at bringing a game to life.  Before I can make any real decisions, I want to see this technology and effort put together for a good story line.  This was a great start, and I am very excited to see where it will take us.

Story Sucks ergo: FF sucks   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 14, 2001 6:26 PM

There are tons of special effects movies that have been completely forgotten due to absence of meaningful story line. This is the case with Final Fancy. So what if it has state of the art computer graphics. Next month, it will be outdone and then what? Like the straw man in Oz, the writers should be thinking, "If I only had a brain!"
To bad they dropped the ball on this cause it could have been something special.

RE: Story Sucks ergo: FF sucks   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 15, 2001 12:06 PM

Amen Brotha.

RE: RE: Review: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 15, 2001 3:28 PM

I agree. The storyline may not have been the best ever. But if u release a movie in America where u would actually have to think, then it won't be a big crowd pleaser. Yes, the storyline was a little hard to understand but it was creative. One of a kind. The effects, music, and charachters were great and I think it was a one of a kind, fantastic, movie.

RE: RE: Perhaps   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 16, 2001 12:13 AM

For what it's worth, those movies you listed aren't exactly CGI free.  In particular, Braveheart used extensive computer effects to recreate hoardes of people.  But I do agree - Braveheart takes the right approach, that the best effects are the ones you don't notice.

RE: RE: Story Sucks ergo: FF sucks   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 16, 2001 10:17 AM

Have any of you people who dismiss the story as terrible ever played a final fantasy game? If not then you probably went into the film with wrong expectations. The story is no better/worse than any of the plotlines in the FF series of games. Its Manga on CGI, its fiction, take it with a grain of salt and just enjoy the ride.

RE: RE: RE: Review: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Wit   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 16, 2001 4:21 PM

Original story, and characters?!? you see the same movie?
Well okay, maybe the Western culture doesn't have the same story engraved in most of the 500 annual English speaking films: Lost spirits tormenting the living world and our connectiveness to the earths spirit...far from one of a kind.  It's the plot of 90% of Japanese anime through out print history.
As for original characters...how about the power stuggling evil general, with the bulldog eyes, who does a greedy deed and cry's, "what have I done?"  --- You've never seen that done before?  Your parents just let you out of the attic this year?

Defend the fact that it's the best 3D hair you've ever seen, but don't defend the plot.  [it really was great hair]

I agree   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 17, 2001 2:44 AM

I want to slap everyone who says the plot was too strange. It's the same plot of FF7 with a different theme! My biggest disappointment was the complete lack of a chocobo. Why couldn't a chocobo be the 7th spirit! WHY DAMMIT!

RE: RE: Perhaps   reply

Posted by SnoStar (SnoStar@pacbell.net) on July 18, 2001 12:05 AM

what just said. At least our Dino movies had "real" good actors in. sadly to say though...the computerized ones don't cost to much to hire.
i like all the great ones of my time (of course).

RE: RE: Perhaps   reply

Posted by SnoStar (SnoStar@pacbell.net) on July 18, 2001 12:09 AM

oops..that got messed up

hey Hellskitchen, i agree with what just said. At least our Dino movies had "real" good actors in. sadly to say though...the computerized ones don't cost to much to hire.
i like all the great ones of my time (of course).

RE: I agree   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 18, 2001 11:37 AM

thats what im talking about this moovie would have been great with a chocobo

RE: Story Sucks ergo: FF sucks   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 18, 2001 11:38 AM

its Final Fantasy not , and i quote "final fancy"

RE: RE: RE: Story Sucks ergo: FF sucks   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 18, 2001 11:39 AM

good call man

RE: RE: Perhaps   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 18, 2001 1:53 PM

I admire and agree with your views, but would like to point out that your spelling references bad sexual inuendo; the correct spelling is "thespians."

RE: RE: RE: Perhaps   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 18, 2001 7:07 PM

I think the reason hollywood is leaning towards CG movies and hoping they will do well is because of how much these "GREAT ACTORS&ACTRESSES" are demanding to be paid. I mean I know CG effects cost a whole lot, But if you want 2 or 3 major stars in your movie your looking at 40 to 60 million dollars easy. Think about it.

RE: RE: RE: Perhaps   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 19, 2001 9:42 AM

But 100% CGI movie is expensive in ti,e : 4 years to create Final Fantasy...

RE: RE: RE: Perhaps   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 19, 2001 9:43 AM

The bes effects are the ones you don't notice. Could you ever find a movie with_out_ any special effects ? CGI is now used everywhere, even in movies you wouldn't expect them to be here...

RE: RE: I agree   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 19, 2001 9:47 AM

There _is_ a hidden chocobo in the movie... the director said it...

RE: RE: Perhaps   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 21, 2001 12:18 AM

The point of animated movie is to make up stories and effects that normal actors and reality block us from doing so. Also, most people think that Final Fantasy is another storyless movie that was made just for graphics, and on some level I agree, the whole idea of Alien taking over the earth is overused, but the fresh and brilliant thing about Final Fantasy is that the Aliens are actually spirits, and also bringing the concepts about Gaya which was a very different new angle to the old time Alien's coming to earth story.

RE: RE: RE: Perhaps   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 21, 2001 10:43 PM

folks are getting bored? tell that to Shrek Box Office.

RE: RE: Review: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 21, 2001 11:03 PM

Well, I don't exactly agree with it relating to the other final fantasies.  I have played every final fantasy, 1-9 so far, and even the oddball final fantasies that had nothing to do with the other games, and there are a lot of elements that make the final fantasies.  This movie, however, lacked many of those elements.  The only things that it really had that related to the other final fantasies were: unbelievable graphics, a focus on specific themes (love, hardship...), and a character named Cid.  I'm sure there are some other elements I missed, but these alone don't make a final fantasy.  What about the summoned monsters???  How can you leave characters like Bahamut, Leviathan, Ifrit, Ramuh, and Shiva out when they have been around for the longest time, and seem to have been effectively worked into every other FF story.  What about Wedge and Biggs???  How 'bout swords and other classic FF weapons.  Sure the plot was futuristic, but look at FF8.  That had a futuristic plot, yet they still seemed to work in a character with a sword-type weapon, and other medieval devices.  I could go on and on about other such elements that were missing from this movie.  I think it was great that they proved that a realistic computer generated movie could be done as visually well as it was, but they needed to focus on the more classic FF themes to have it go down as a true FF classic.  Oh...not to mention the music.  What the heck happened to some of the songs that have been in every FF to date:  The prelude, the FF theme...that was one of the things I was looking for the most and was very disappointed in.

RE: RE: RE: Perhaps   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 23, 2001 5:41 AM

Thats B.S., they could pay $1000.00 and a great actor would be born, do you have any ideal how many amazing actors and actresses will never be found, because of Hollywoods blindness.

RE: Dorks   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 23, 2001 5:46 AM

You are all a bunch of dweebs. Get out of your parents house for god sakes. Get a girl!

RE: RE: Story Sucks ergo: FF sucks   reply

Posted by 100% AMERICAN (hellskitchen_@hotmail.com) on July 23, 2001 10:35 AM

It's "Fancy Feast"

RE: RE: Review: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 23, 2001 4:03 PM

Well put.

RE: RE: RE: Review: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 24, 2001 10:37 AM

um, hello?
wedge and biggs were in the movie.
i.e. neil and ryan.

RE: RE: Review: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 24, 2001 2:25 PM

Disturbingly similar to Starship Troopers: Roughnecks in several areas.

Typo in the end of the review: check to see whether the characters "breath" should be "breathe".

- Bill

RE: Review: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 26, 2001 9:12 AM

Any body who says's the don't like this movie because of the story. Well u need to get a life. It figures, that if the "smart" Japanese people come up with a storyline where u would actually have to use a small segment of your brains to figure out a simple storyline that the America's would say "We hate it."It was to complicated." And yes the people looked real. And their eyes DID NOT lack the touch of life. They were the closest things to real life. I give this movie a 10 out of 10. I'm Japanese and I respect this movie so much. And Amercian's would think, If a drunk man goes to see that movie, and if he didn't understand the story, then it's a bad story. Commmon you America's use your brains once in a while!!!! Read a book. Turn off the TV! And just listen to and think about the storyline of the movie. 10/10

RE: RE: RE: Story Sucks ergo: FF sucks   reply

Posted by super_saiyan77 (super_saiyan99@asianavenue.com) on July 28, 2001 5:39 PM

I saw this movie and it SUCKED! I didn't get the story line. The story line in the Final Fantasy games such as Final Fantasy 7 & 8 are way better than the movie.

RE: RE: RE: Review: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 28, 2001 11:30 PM

true vry true.

Da movie is notin' like the game. As the Dum Azz @mairikans have again taken an idolized game like FF and transformed it into a piece of @mairikan sh*t. Hope the dum azz ppl who put their friggen voices behind da chars dnt kick dem slves in de azz. Sucks like no tomolo!

RE: Review: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on July 30, 2001 7:32 PM

I went to see this film primarily for the CGI effects.  They are spectacular to say the least.  I think it's the first film of it's kind to display CGI to this level.  But, the interesting thing in reading some of the other comments is that it seems a lot of people want science fiction to be formularized according to what they've grown up on.  Science fiction should be expressed in all forms of media.  I also think some of the comments made calling the film a "cartoon" show just how backwards the U.S. is when it comes to various forms of media like animation.  I applaud the Japanese for exploring new directions with animation.  This is something that some Americans just can't understand.  They're stuck in "Disney" mode and seem to compare everything else termed "animation" with those films to some degree.  Why?  It exposes a deeper view of how in reality, American science fiction (on TV and in films) has become so repetitve, predictable, and unintelligent that many Americans have no real sense of objectivity in order to critique a film work that is uniquely different.

RE: Story Sucks ergo: FF sucks   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on August 25, 2001 8:19 AM

True Dat. Honestly, I went into FF with the high expectation that it would have a storyline like that of FF7, which I think still has the most complicated and diverse - GOOD - storyline I've yet to see in a movie or a game. I was very disappointed at the movie. Be there great graphics or not, the movie revolves around the storyline. When they make a good storyline, they can make a good FF movie.

RE: Perhaps   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on August 29, 2001 11:54 PM

They aren't meant to compare to the 'real thing', they are simply trying to mimic real life with current technology... and frankly it was damn good job.  Films like this should not be slated for trying to do something new and different... it was a superb step up the technology ladder... real actors and live motion films will never be replaced... but can there not be room for both?! ...

RE: Review: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on September 1, 2001 3:21 PM

Idiot the makers of the game took part in the making of the movie. first movie ever made by the makers of the game

RE: Perhaps   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on September 1, 2001 3:28 PM

That is only because they had to develop the technology for this movie.  After that is done it is cheap.

RE: Review: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on September 1, 2001 3:34 PM

They had to take that stuff out to apply to stupid americans.  Believe it or not the Japanese believe Average americans are stupid.  I agree with that though.

RE: Review: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on September 1, 2001 3:35 PM

If you don't support the technology and graphics now when they don't have a story line they won't beable to afford to make one with a good story line.

RE: Review: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on September 1, 2001 3:40 PM

I usually come out on the top of all my classes and I am disgusted at how many stupid americans there are.  I am ashamed to be called an american.  I agree that the Japanese are smarter

RE: Review: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on September 1, 2001 3:42 PM

The japanese anticipated our stupidity to some degree.  It would have been a lot more complicated and better if they didn't try to make it for americans.

RE: Perhaps   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on September 6, 2001 9:36 AM

Ok lah...have to agree...good point

RE: Perhaps   reply

Posted by deepeyesalpha (deepeyesalpha@whocares.com) on September 6, 2001 11:30 AM

True, very true. Good point. Why do people think that FFTSW is all about competing and replicating the so-called real? Hmm...I guess, people are just too narrow-minded.

http://usuarios.tripod.es/Akiross/Aki.html   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on September 10, 2001 1:19 PM

The movie is very good.

but Aki is my girlfrined, ok?

Akiesmia@hotmail.com

RE: http://usuarios.tripod.es/Akiross/Aki.html   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on September 30, 2001 1:30 PM

I have just read the entire set of comments from top to bottom.  What I do not understand, being German rather than Japanese or a United States American, is this...  The story was not a happy ending, score 1 for the writers.  Also, score a few points for the CG level.  Add a point or two for developing a strong female character not unlike Tomb Raider?  An last, but most important, score the remaining points to equal 10 because unlike other animated films, with the possible exception of Shreik, the storyline is a classic, the ending not with-standing.  Shreik was not original in story! For example, knight (no hero) gets girl?  What a bunch of lamers!  The sound track alone was enough to get 11 of 10.  This film was for fun!  What do you want in a film?  So many people gripe about what was NOT in the film?  How many times do you want Star Wars repeated!

RE: Perhaps   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on March 31, 2003 1:57 PM

well i just think that the movie is just great and that they should create more because it's something new and out of the ordinary I like the animation because it's so life like...

final fantasy   reply

Posted by A random shemp (No Email) on October 28, 2003 3:14 PM

My sister is now obsessed with that show..I have to admit..it was pretty good