There are many moments in FINAL FANTASY when you almost forget that the entire film, including the "actors," is computer generated -- the faces have pores, the skin of the characters is imperfect with freckles and and wrinkles. (The effect is almost creepily realistic: Capt. Grey Edwards has a scruffy, sexy look; he's very hot, and I kept wanting to see him with his shirt off, which left me feeling weird and confused.) But then they talk, with great, expressive voices like those of Alec Baldwin and Donald Sutherland, and there is NOTHING THERE. The computer technology can reproduce the mechanics of acting, but not the ineffable qualities that make you care about the characters. When the heroes, Grey and Aki, finally kiss, it's almost pornographic in its lack of emotional commitment -- rather like sculptures being molested by puppets. The script is a joke, impossibly hard to follow and a bit overlong. But I cannot help but feel compelled to recommend it, even half-heartedly, because the film IS all CGI and is eye-popping. Years ago I was so caught up in the then-new efforts of Japanimation (of AKIRA), I could see beyond the plot holes. I'm not so forgiving now, perhaps, but there will always be a proper place to suggest seeing a movie that's deeply flawed just because you feel you may be witnessing the birth of a new filmic expression.
Review of Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within
