Rating: 
Summary: Breath Taking!!!
Review: I loved this movie for many reasons. As a person who USUALLY dislikes the idea of making a game into a movie or any other risky movie theme, this one made me think twice. The animation if I can call it that, looked so artistic. I'm a comp tech graduate and the graphics designed for this movie is just too extravagent for words. Square Films really put their blood and sweat into this with the realistic characters and background scenery. I had to see the movie twice to fully get the theme for I was too busy gazing at the details of this movie. I must stand up and applaude to this Master piece.
Rating:
Summary: Final Fantasy - It's not just a clever name
Review: Whether you are of the Final Fantasy persuasion or not does not actually matter. Squaresoft's masterpiece computer game, selling millions worldwide, thankfully destroyed the ego of the pitiless teen fantasy that was Tomb Raider. In 1997, one of the greatest games ever made (as agreed by just about every game player on the planet), Final Fantasy VII came out. It changed the face of gaming forever. For once, gamers could actually live a game, rather than merely jump and shoot within the restricting walls of an apparent "3-D" environment.So it came as no surprise that a movie would be made incorporating all the themes present in the game. The hype surrounding "Final Fantasy - The Spirits Within" was enormous, as worldwide gamers could not wait to see their heroes brought to life on the big-screen. Along with the tremendous hype came rumours that no characters from any of the games would be included in the upcoming movie. These rumours angered fans, as the one thing for which they had waited for years would probably be spoiled by the idea of a completely new world and new characters within it. Unfortunately, the rumours became truth, and when "Final Fantasy - The Spirits Within" came out in the cinema, auditoriums hardly found themselves bursting at the seams. Fans were immensely disappointed at the storyline - somewhat weak in comparison with its gaming counterparts. The story is not that bad. The plot is interesting and keeps the viewer informed. Although the idea of running from alien ghosts does not tantalyze most minds, the actual story holds up well, even if it is a tad weird - but people should not forget what the title of the movie implies. One thing that made the games so successful was the attention to character detail. The movie has some very well created characters, however, there are some whose lines give off a certain cheesiness when speaking. Alec Baldwin's character, Gray Edwards, for example, has lines such as, "Alright people, the city may be lost but we are not - let's do this job then get the hell outta here!" Whoever wrote that line into the screenplay should, in all honesty, be shot! Lines such as these are what convey the idea of the All-American macho hero that worldwide audiences now despise. The soundtrack to the movie is fantastic, even if the main character is not. Elliot Goldenthal creates a haunting atmosphere that is truly superb. If you need one reason to buy this DVD, then may I suggest the revolutionary visual extravaganza put on show. Aki's hair cost two million dollars alone to make, with each individual strand being given tender loving care. Facial expressions are awesome and I promise that you will be fooled into believing the characters to be real actors at numerous points in the film. The DVD offers over four hours of extras, ranging from how characters and scenes were created, editing your own scene from the movie, an alternate beginning and my personal favourite - a Michael Jackson's Thriller video performed by the film's characters. The clever ways in which both DVDs start are original and inspiring. Also, I did like the interactice documentary, wherein you can focus on a subject more deeply at the touch of a button - Well done Square and Columbia! All in all, "Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within" will only disappoint hardcore fans of the games. I love this movie, like a brother. If you are a neutral, looking for entertainment, value for money and all round amazing quality, then this movie belongs in your collection!
Rating:
Summary: 140 million to make, it only took in 5
Review: O.K. some might not like it because it's different from the game. I play the games whenever I go to my best friends house. I thought this film was very well done. It may be a whole lot different from the game but it was well done. I mean look at the Harry Potter movie, it may a lot different from the book but it was worth waiting in line for 5 hours. Forget it's different from the game. Pretend it's a whole different movie. Would you like it then? That's how it is a lot of times. If you're seeing a movie based on something just pretend it's a different movie you've never played the game of or read the book, instead of trying to point out all the mistakes they made. If they put in every single detail you would be bored with it. It takes hours to beat the game and you're the one who's playing it. It's the fact that your playing it, that's what make it exciting! It wouldn't be very fun watching a video game movie that the screen plays by itself! So if you're basing it on the game you won't like it. It's true that it took 140 million and 4 years to make and only took in 5 million (they didn't promote advertisement). I'd recamend this movie to anyone and everyone. If you've played the game and are about to see it, forget about the game and pretend it's a completly different movie, trust me you'll like it a lot more than you thought.
Rating: 
Summary: Well Made Computer Generated Imagery Film.
Review: 2065, The Earth are in Plague with the Alien Spirits and Mankind covers Complete Exinction. Led by a Obnormal Apparition and Direct by her Mentor Dr.Sid (Voiced by Donald Sutherland). Scientist Aki Ross (Voiced by Ming-Na) tries to Accumulate the Eight Spirtis in the anticipation of creating a Compel that could Annihilate the alien Presence, Concentrated Enough and Pure to Ample of the Protecting of the Planet. Directed by Hironobu Sakaguchi makes a Unique CGI Film, which is a Clever Sci-Fi Action/Thriller. This Movie was a Huge Box Office Disappointment that Company Square Picture were out of Business as the Only and First Produced by the Company in the Summer of 2001. The film might have a familiar plotting but It`s well written by Al Reinert and Jeff Vintar from a Story by Hironobu Sakauchi. The film has well knows actors for Voice Talents, including:Alec Baldwin, Steve Buscemi, Ving Rhames, Peri Gilpin, Keith David and James Woods. This is one of the Hardest Films ever made to the Screen. Although this is a Minor Classic for the Sci-Fi Crowd but those who will really enjoy this film, will have a Blast. DVD`s has an terrific anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) transfer and an Strong Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD has Isolated 5.1 Music Track with Commentary by the Composer. Two Different Commentary Tracks by the Filmmakers. DVD Second Disc has Plenty of Extras, including Deleted Scenes, Alternate Opening, Behind the Scenes Feautrette, Hidden Feature, Fakes Bloopers and More. This film has an fine Score by Elliot Goldenthal (Pet Semetary, Batman Forever). Grade:B+.
Rating:
Summary: Good Movie
Review: The Final Fantasy series is pretty much based on some person, who meets up with strange and different people, and they go on adventures to save the world. If you know very little about Final Fantasy, watch this movie. Why? Because it has nothing to do with the games. Im not saying its bad, but its storyline is completely different. Some people probably expected some type of "fantasy" flick which involved the use of magic and Guardian Forces,Summons, Aeons, wadever. It doesnt have anything like so. Still, it is a great movie. It is packed with action, and the storyline is very original. It could be confusing at times, but once you get into it, you will understand. This is a great movie, far better than Tomb Raider. And if you do know a lot about Final Fantsy and it's games, also watch it. You will enjoy it!
Rating:
Summary: Good game Okay Movie
Review: The movie didnt follow the games too well. but the graphics of the movie just made me buy right away!
Rating: 
Summary: A good movie that falls far short of its potential
Review: First, a disclaimer: I have never played any of the Final Fantasy video games, so this review is strictly a 'movie' review. What's to like about FINAL FANTASY: THE SPIRITS WITHIN? There is a lot to like in this movie. The CGI effects are, in a word, breathtaking. I recently heard a movie critic complain that humans in CGI never seem lifelike. That's certainly not the case here. Facial expression, nuances in shading and background, fluid and lifelike movement - I've never seen an animated movie that even approaches what's been done in this movie. Unfortunately, all the great animation in the world can't save a flawed plotline, and that's where FINAL FANTASY falls short. Ming-Na, Donald Sutherland, and all the actors give good performances in their voicing of characters, but they aren't given much with which to work, and so the movie suffers. General Hein is a particularly uninspiring character: though James Woods does an excellent job voicing the part, the General himself is wooden, flat, and a cliched collage of every revenge-driven, over-testosteroned military man we've ever seen. Even considering the motivation the writers give his character, Hein is still so over-the-top in his blind desire for revenge that the drama in his character is hopelessly lost. Steve Buscemi, Peri Gilpin, and Ving Rhames give excellent performances as members of Alec Baldwin's unit, and Ming-Na is wonderful as Dr. Aki Ross. There is some prior romantic interest between Baldwin's character and Dr. Ross, but it is never explained and thus weakens the impact their relationship has on the story. Finally a MAJOR problem with the movie is the 'monsters' that are haunting Earth. No one ever explains how the weapons humanity uses could possibly work against them, and I found myself wondering how guns could possibly inflict damage on creatures that suck the life out of humans at the slightest touch. Just another loose end in the script that could have been explored and should have at least been addressed. Even with all this, however, I enjoyed the movie quite a bit. As I said, the animation is really breathtaking at times, and there are fantasy/sci-fi movies that much, much worse (see Battlefield Earth, Titan A.E.). FINAL FANTASY: THE SPIRITS WITHIN is, all together, a good movie that simply could have been much better.
Rating: 
Summary: Ugh
Review: 3 stars for graphics
1 star for "plot" Basically, the graphics are wonderful. The fact that they can mimic human skin with imperfections is awe-inspiring. This movie is eye-candy. However, if you're looking for a logical, realistic story, you'll scratch your head by the time the credits roll.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding animation, a medium level script
Review: I bought it on DVD. It is the first CGI movie with photo realistic characters. As an animation work it is as ground breaking as Tron in 1980. However the main problem is the script. The story is great until it reaches about 60% of the movie, then (it seems like director's fault) it starts to go irregular and not so exciting. It is the point when the director starts to kill the characters, a cheap trick not to take care of their evolution. If you don't mind looking a story (which concept was created by the director) that could have been better (one of the scripters worked for Apollo 13 and I guess that what avoided total collapse), you will enjoy it. If you are a fan of the FF game, you may not like it. It has nothing to do with the game except for they mention Gaia. My guess is that director attempted to portrait his mother in the character of Aki Ross (which is perfectly understandable) and he attempted to unsuccessfully explain what death meant for him, which means IMO, that the expectator preferences was the last priority. All in all, if you love digital art you'll love this and you'll consider "The mind's eye" series like old fashioned abstract animation. Technology used in this film is quite older than the one used for Shrek. The extras of the DVD really worth to switch from VHS to DVD. Documentary gives you an insight of how such a movie was made. There is some more material that woth the price. I don't regret my purchase but that's me. I have noticed that people like or dislike the movie, no middle opinions. You better rent it and if you like it, then buy it.
Rating:
Summary: Great Technology Groundbreaking Graphics - Weak Plot
Review: Wow on the graphics. Amazing how lifelike the 3D animation is. Worth buying just to see how far technology has come. Square spent so much money making this that it cost the CEO his job when it flopped at the box office. Too bad he didn't spend more of the budget on a better scriptwiter and director. The plot seemed superficial and the effects weren't enough to compensate. Bottom line, I didn't finish the movie thinking that it was great (other than the reality of the graphics). I felt something was missing.
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