Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (Part 1)

Well, this movie had quote a miserable reputation to live up to. I listened to it in Japanese with subtitles, because I figured that it was originally in Japanese...but I feel like that was wrong. I'm getting the dub as we speak (should be done by morning), so I can write a comparative review, but for now, it's just the JPN dub.

NOTE: English IS the original language. IMDB quotes that the US release was in July 2 of 2001, while Japan didn't get the film till September. Odd...

Plot-wise, I am actually very happy with this movie. I think its very exciting and gripping, and has a nice (tho kinda flat) intrigue. I'm not expecting character development, as 50% of the way in...there has been time for none. I'm really just looking for a nice chunk of plot..beginning middle and end. And I'm getting it. I just discovered what the Phantoms are, and I'm learning how the spirits work themselves in, the world is going to be destroyed, and Aki has limited time. Sweet.

So, in Part 1 conclusion, will this movie be one of the best things I've ever seen? Probably not. But will I stick it with Wonderful Days? Probably. Is this part of the Final Fantasy canon? Absolutely. Part of what's great about FF is its versatility, and while this might not be a glorious epic, it's telling a story. In my mind, Final Fantasy is about beginnings and endings. All the games start off with something right off the bat, and everything moves along with the sole purpose of getting to the end. Sure, it may sound stupid, but this is the conclusion I've come to. Size doesn't matter. It's the beginning and ending that count.

I'll watch part 2 at some point before I head back home for my macbook, and then I can finish the review, with maybe some spot checks on the English. I'll archive both in the end, just so I can be complete.