fine whine

Not too often to I run across a movie without an audience (well, save for me), but such is the case with Disney's already-forgotten Atlantis: the lost empire. I was struck by how little it resembled any of their other children's movies, what with its lack of wisecracking sidekicks and (almost) complete dearth of musical interludes.
Frankly, I couldn't find more than a handful of scenes that would fulfill the entertainment needs of the children raised on the Pokemon oeuvre.

Naturally, I thought it was pretty good. They took the right tactic, I think, in making it all mystical without too much touchy-feely nonsense (those looking for the next Ferngully, keep looking) and the whole movie kept an engaging pace. My expectations were far lower and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. It is indeed a pity that Disney has decided to eschew cel-based animation altogether, as between the non-CGI bits of this and Lilo & Stitch there were some pretty decent bits of film. Someday I may even track down Treasure planet just to give it its fair shake, too, but don't expect me to be hitting the theaters for that one Rosie's done. I have my limits.