Dir. Aristomenis Tsirbas, 85 mins, USA, 2007
Cast. Evan Rachel Wood, Brian Cox, Luke Wilson, David Cross, Justin Long, Dennis Quaid, Chris Evans, James Garner
Review by Michelle Moore
This is the second time a human presence on an alien planet has been depicted by an animated film lately. However unlike Planet 51 , Battle for Terra looks at what happens when humans are the invaders on a planet already inhabited by a peaceful alien race and the unexpected friendship between a human pilot and an alien girl may be the salvation both species needs to resolve their differences.
The story is not a typical invasion theory with hostile aliens attempting to invade planet Earth. Instead, humans are the hostile ones attempting to eradicate alien life a planet they have called Terra, making the atmosphere breathable and taking it over as their own. As you would expect with any film aimed at young children, there is a happy ending where both species are capable of living in harmony with each other, making you wonder why the humans just didn't ask for assistance in the beginning rather than firing first and asking for help later.
Aliens and invasions may not be one of the most original concepts to adapt for a children's film, however there has been much creativity put into the design of the Terrain characters and their homeland. The Terrians are a gentle race that hold a deep admiration for nature and do not wish to go to war. Their appearance mirrors their respect; the aliens have tails like a tadpole, move with the wave and bounce of a sea horse and have the eyes of a typical green/grey skinned alien. They are very different to the characteristics you would have seen repeated in numerous alien flicks in the past. The environment of their world involves floating animals that have whale like characteristics and tall tree branches as homes with windows the aliens float through to get inside; at times it all looks quite magical.
There has been a large increase in the number of films being released using 3D technology, many of which have been produced with the ability to keep a viewer on their toes and part of what they are watching. The way in which Battle for Terra uses 3D is pointless and fails to impress. The only moment the 3D effect actually looks beneficial is when the snow begins to fall and a few of the explosions fire towards the screen. Other than these two rare moments, the remainder of the film would have suited a 2D perspective just as well.
As far as entertaining a younger audience, Battle for Terra 3D may be able to sustain their attention for its 85 minute duration with explosions and cute little characters, but as far entertaining an adult crowd, it will likely be a film you will only want to see once.
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