Hey folks, Harry here... I'm really pulling for TREASURE PLANET, cuz Disney (and animation companies in general) need critical and financial successes every which way to ensure that the medium stays healthy and vital. And personally I love 2D animation, and the biggest difference between it and the 3D work is that recently the 3D animation has had better stories.
Hello, I'm french so excuse my low english level... here in Paris this animated feature is playing since November 6th. Here is my review if you are interested.
Biff Tannen
Hey Harry, I have hopes that this can be interesting to you. Here in France, the new Disney flick Treasure Planet is playing exclusively in 1 theater in Paris since November 6th and I caught it last night. As far as I can say, I didn't read one single negative review of the movie, and personally, I don't know how you could write one. Ok, it has not the most original story, design, twists etc...some CGI elements are too much "in your face" stuff, the one song is not particularly memorable either... but it has everything a truly great Disney movie should have although it doesn't surprise you: all in all great animation (Glen Keane's Silver character is just awesome, the animator gave him so much live), some cool setpieces (the arrival on the Spaceport, the introduction of Jim on his solarsurf, the climax...), good characters that you care for (the bond between Jim and Silver is really great!), great story that really follows the original book, and a descent score (no it's not as good as previous James Newton Howard's stuff). Despite the "blockbuster" feeling of it, I thought that the film had warmth and heart, you truly get the feeling that the directors care for their movie, even the ending is subtle and not "breathtaking animation to show you our latest 3D programs". The sideckicks were original and funny, which is pretty rare those times! That's another good point: the movie has an impressive cast of awesome characters. They seem to pop up from Men In Black of Star Wars but they are really original. I loved everyone of them and they provide many laughs, even if you're an adult.
The only negative aspect of the movie is that due to its length, all of the events seem rushed. You'd like to wander on the ship, fly around the speceport, look around, see the characters live normally on the RMS Legacy...instead it's one situation after another, you don't lose time (and costly animation), but of course you never get bored. In my case, I wish it lasted 2h30 instead of 1h30, that would have improved the movie in my opinion. All in all, a great Disney movie, targeted to the whole family, that follows the strict rules of this kind of film, but never disappoints you. Check it out when it comes out November 27th, and if you can, on an Imax screen!
