A film review by Rachael Vice Copyright © 2001 Rachael Vice

Because none of the FINAL FANTASY games have anything to do with another, one would believe they could easily be given another title, and they can. However, unlike competition, FINAL FANTASY has always dealt with a sole character whose
mission throughout the story is to discover theirselves.
This has always amazingly captured the human condition, which is a very hard thing to do with a video game. FINAL FANTASY: THE SPIRITS WITHIN's captivation of this element is no different than the games.

I'll be honest in saying that I am familiar with the FINAL FANTASY games. I own a Sony PlayStation and I only have 3 games for it: FINAL FANTASY's VII - IX. Before VII exploded into stores, I never understood the point of video games (and I still don't understand the point of some of them), but the FINAL FANTASY's are just like watching movies. But, I am writing this review as a movie-goer, not a video-gamer.

The Plot: In 2065, Earth is inhabited by nothing 'phantoms' and a fraction of the humans we have on Earth today; all hoping to eliminate the phantom threat. In order to control the phantoms, Dr. Aki Ross (voiced by Ming-Na) and companions (Alec Baldwin, Donald Sutherland, Ving Rhames, Steve Buscemi, Peri Gilpin) must locate 8 spirits embodied in unlikely bodies across the universe. Yet, amidst their search, Aki must face the reality of having a phantom inside her, and the ominous images she faces while sleeping that are anything but dreams.

Given the surroundings and the animation, the characters relationships develop astoundingly. We must watch our protagonist deal with alien lifeforms, omen-dubbed dreams, a blossoming relationship with comrade Gray (Alec Baldwin) and a crazed superior (James Woods) hoping to annihilate the phantoms for his own credit. So basically, we're presented with a beautiful film that shows the development of the human condition.

Unlike *other* films that deal solely with the concept of fighting aliens for the Earth, FINAL FANTASY opens doors that have been locked in Hollywood's sci-fi department for years. I.E. the aliens must, too, have a backstory rather than just appearing out of nowhere for box office budgets.

My only problem with FINAL FANTASY was some of the voices. Ming-Na (who also voiced in Disney's MULAN and plays on E.R. - odd choice of roles, huh?) and the baddie, James Woods (who voiced Hades in Disney's HERCULES) did admirably well. The rest of the cast, however, seemed completely hollow and monotone.

This was a very nice movie with little cons. If sequels are made respective to THE SPIRITS WITHIN, then, like FINAL FANTASY's PlayStation popularity, Square pictures will be raking in mucho dolares and the STAR WARS flicks will be second to FINAL FANTASY's.

Final Rating:  * * * 1/2  of  * * * *

	Running Time: 105 Min | Rated: PG-13 | US Release: July 11th | More >>

Related Links:

• Official Site
• Google Web Directory
• Upcomingmovies.com: Final Fantasy: TSW