Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within is rated PG-13: for sci-fi action violence.

If we give any credence to Hollywood's latest sci-fi releases, the future of our planet is doomed. Cities submerged by melting ice caps (A.I. Artificial Intelligence), earth-shattering meteors oozing with alien slime (Evolution) and landscapes toasted by invading phantoms (Final Fantasy) give a bleak outlook for the human race.

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within takes place on a burned-out planet devoid of almost any life forms other than those within the protective domes of barrier cities. On the outside, raging ghost-like invaders stalk the deserted wastelands. Dr. Aki Ross (Ming-Na), infected with particles from the alien phantoms, is on a mission to collect living spirits to create an antidote for herself and the ailing Earth. But her reckless attitude often jeopardizes the lives of a venerated military squadron commanded by her friend, Captain Grey Edwards (Alec Baldwin) who is sent in to rescue the young scientist from the transparent phantoms. Along with her mentor, Dr. Sid (Donald Sutherland), Aki pleads with the ruling Council for time to complete their research before the belligerent General Hein (James Wood) blasts the aliens with his high-powered Zulu laser and endangers the existence of the planet.

Although director Hironabu Sakaguchi stages some stunning computer animation that raises this film genre to a new plateau, his characters lack the endearing charm and depth needed to invoke sympathy. An hour of aggressive alien slaughter left me feeling like I was watching a long version video game without the advantage of a pause button. While the avid gamers may enjoy this movie, they may be more interested in the yet-to-be-released enhanced DVD version of the movie that will allow gamers to play along. Parents on the other hand should take notice of the PG-13 rating for violence. In the meantime, Hollywood's real life actors can rest easier knowing that their futures are not yet lost to their computer-generated counterparts.

Studio: (pictures (c)2001 Columbia Pictures).

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Overall: C
While the animation in this film is often stunning, the under-developed characters and graphic violence make this a questionable choice for families.

Violence: C-
Includes numerous scenes of cities destroyed by war and left desolate with bodies/skulls lying in the streets, people shoot invading phantoms with high powered weapons, character is chastised for risking the lives of others but feels no remorse for actions, phantoms and humans are killed in battle, tranquilizer gun is used on person, human undergoes life-threatening surgery, repeated dream scenes include battles, explosions, fire and at least one scene of imagined falling, phantoms kill humans by pulling their spirit out of their body, phantoms explode when hit during battle, weapons aimed at commanding officer, person is shot with what seems to be tranquilizer gun, shots are fired and fighting takes place between soldiers while on aircraft, leader attempts to intimidate council, man talks about death of his wife and daughter, military coup is staged, phantoms attack city, soldiers are killed, blood shown on hand and face of soldier, city explodes from within, vehicle crashes and injures one occupant, soldiers fight with phantoms using guns, soldiers surrounded and killed by phantoms, man shoots glass window then jumps through, high-powered laser weapon used to fire on phantoms and humans, city implodes, character sacrifices life for another character.

Sexual Content: A-
Brief discussion of a couple’s former relationship, hugging and kissing between unmarried friends.

Language: C+
At least: 15 mild profanities, 5 moderate profanities and 3 terms of Deity used as profanities.

Alcohol / Drug Use: B
One scene includes man drinking while reminiscing about wife and child, man is offered medical drugs following injury.

While trying to retrieve a living plant, Dr. Ross endangers the lives of a squadron of soldiers. Her attitude after the incident is anything but remorseful. Do you think she was justified in her attitude? What about people who get into trouble when participating in extreme activities, thereby endangering the lives of those enlisted to rescue them?

In the movie, all living things including the Earth are portrayed as having a spirit that resembles their physical body. Do you think that is true? If the Earth is a living entity, what are our responsibilities to it?

Other videogame titles to recently appear on the silver screen are Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Dungeons And Dragons. If you’re looking for additional animated sci-fi adventure titles try Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Titan A.E. or The Iron Giant.