Titan A.E.

“Titan A.E.” (meaning “After Earth”) is a high-action sci-fi animated feature, created by the same folks who brought us “Anastasia”. But don’t let the format fool you. This is anything but a “kiddie flick.”

Set in the 29th century (the year 3028 exactly), Earth has been destroyed by an evil alien race called the Drej, leaving the human survivors as little more than refugees in the universe, on the brink of extinction. That is until new hope arises in the form of a young man named Cale, who carries literally in his hand, the hope for finding a new home world for humankind: directions to find his father’s ship, the Titan. The ensuing story revolves around a race against time in order for Cale and his comrades: Akima, a beautiful pilot, Korso, an ex-Earth soldier, and a trio of eccentric aliens to find where the ship is hidden, before the Drej find it first, or kill Cale in the process.

As for how good the movie is, the visuals are nothing short of awesome, as CGI and cel animation are beautifully blended to create the most stunning backdrops and panoramas, and the coolest-looking characters (the design for the Drej being especially remarkable) I have ever seen in a movie. However, the plot is rather simplistic (and not thin, as other critics have judged it to be), mixing in elements from a score of other sci-fi movies, more prominently “Star Wars” and “Star Trek,” just to name a couple. However, this simple plot proves to be an advantage, as not to confuse the majority crowd who will be seeing this movie: late adolescent to early and mid-teenagers.

From a Christian standpoint, I must admit that this movie, though animated, takes on a much more adult perspective than previous ones that I have seen. In short, “Titan A.E.” well earns its PG rating in content. Though not graphic in the extreme, it is admittedly fairly violent, with more blood than I’ve seen in most animated movies of recent years, mostly from laser guns (think “Star Wars”, but a touch more on the blood factor); however, it is not so gory as to be offensive to most, even Christians. Also, there is one scene on a medical table with VERY brief back nudity, and one slightly risque scene where Cale “walks in” on Akima after a shower, but without any nudity; whatever amount there would have been is quickly covered up by a towel. Aside from that, there was no foul or obscene language that I had heard, even though one of the reasons for ratings listed is mild profanity. On the whole, from a Christian standpoint, the movie wasn’t that offensive, but as stated before, was far more on the adult level than most animation created here in the U.S. usually is. There are Christians who would be offended by the content (which, except for the violence isn’t much), and if what I have listed does offend, then this movie probably isn’t for you. As a matter of fact, any children being taken to see this movie would do well to go with a parent, although admittedly, those 5 years below the age range I have recommended probably wouldn’t understand it.

Bottom line: the movie is fabulous (if just for the animation and visuals alone), but with a simplistic plot, and a rather mature theme for an animated movie. But overall, not too offensive. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but once again, if you are offended by content such as I have listed, then you would do well not to spend your money and regret it later.

• Young people
• Critics