A Scientist at the Movies Reviews by Greg Paris

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Title: Titan, A.E.

Date Viewed: 6/17/00

Details:

Voice talents: Matt Damon (Cale)

Drew Barrymore (Akima)

Bill Pullman (Korso)

Nathan Lane (Preed)

Tone Loc (Tek)

Jim Breuer (The Cook)

Jim Cummings (Chowquin)

Janeane Garofalo (Stith)

David L. Lander (The Mayor)

John Leguizamo (Gune)

Ron Perlman (Sam Tucker)

Director: Don Bluth & Gary Goldman

Score: 1/2

The Review:Yet another entry in the "Earth of the future has been rampaged or destroyed by ugly aliens" theme, this version from Fox Animation Studios. The time is a mere millennium into the future, and for some reason an alien civilization of pure energy (the Drej) is intent upon human genocide, and in the first few minutes of the movie, literally destroys Earth. What an opportunity for special effects!! (Sorry, that's not the politically correct response...) The survivors scatter, and the tale follows Cale, the son of an important scientist -- perhaps the same person who may just be the very reason the Drej have exacted such a price in the first place. Only about 15 years have elapsed since the destruction of Earth (After Earth: "A.E."), so many of the survivors retain clear memories of what has been lost, albeit some of the second generation appears to be losing this direct connection. Humans are clearly an endangered species. Threaded through the plot is youthful romance, colorful interstellar backdrops, high-speed chases, hand to blaster combat, betrayal -- all in all, classic space opera. Good though! (*see footnote*)

Several different animation media and techniques were used -- ranging from what looked like traditional cell-based, to several types of computer-mediated and texture-mapped surfaces - - and while they were not always glued together well, this variety presented neither a continuity problem nor an artistic problem. The specific choices of technique were well made, with one minor exception. In a number of places, especially near the end, it is difficult to get a sense of scale, and in science fiction or fantasy, the awe and wonder accruing to sheer size is an important component of the mood. Choice of more detailed textures or computer mediated surfaces for the inner cavities of the Titan (e.g.) would have enhanced things substantially.

Some of the ecosystem design was well done; the hydrogen trees stand out as fascinating and well-rendered. The cleverest critter, as well as animation, was given to the "wake angels", one of the features provided by "Persistence of Vision" (a clever corporate name harkening back to a superb 1978 short story by John Varley).

Titan A.E. is not high art, but it is fast-paced space opera, good for an hour or so of mental relaxation.

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