THE AISLE SEAT - by Mike McGranaghan

"TITAN A.E."

For many years, animator Don Bluth has been trying to compete with the Walt Disney company. Unfortunately, his movies (which include The Pebble and the Penguin and An American Tail) often seem like low-rent versions of Disney product. The animation has been passable, but there's been a distinct lack of magic in his films. This summer, Bluth (co-directing with Gary Goldman) has freed his imagination from the Disney mindset and come up with something original and bold; the end result, Titan A.E., is one of the most entertaining animated features in a long time. So entertaining, in fact, that I went back and saw it a second time.

The movie takes place in the year 3028, after earth has been destroyed by an alien race known as the Drej. More than aliens, they seem like giant bundles of electricity. Few actual humans are left, and those who are dream of reestablishing humanity. The central character is Cale (voiced by Matt Damon). His late father, a renowned scientist, built a spaceship called Titan. Aware that Earth would someday be subjected to attack by the Drej, he built the ship as a way of rebuilding the planet if necessary. When he died, the ship's hidden location went with him.

Cale goes in search of the Titan after discovering a map emblazoned on his hand. Helping Cale in his search are two other humans, a female named Akima (Drew Barrymore) and a guy named Korso (Bill Pullman). They follow the map hoping to find the Titan. The Drej, of course, want all humanity wiped out, so they seek to stop Cale's crew from succeeding in the mission.


Young Cale goes in search of the illusive Titan
 
The animation in Titan A.E. is superb, mixing traditional hand drawings with computer-generated effects. The style of the film is intelligent and sophisticated; there are no cutesy aliens roaming around. Like the Japanese style of anime, a great emphasis is put on capturing little details in characters and sets. The visuals are nicely coupled with the plot, which is more than your usual kid stuff. It is a tale of hope and faith, and the way those things help us persevere in times of adversity. Actually, Titan A.E. approaches its subject with the seriousness of a live-action sci-fi movie. The fact that it's animated lends a sense of otherworldliness that wouldn't have been possible otherwise.

Take, for instance, the movie's two extraordinary chase scenes - one through a hydrogen forest, the other through a giant ball of ice crystals. A blend of live action and special effects would have looked artificial (even considering the dazzling CGI effects now available to filmmakers). Because Titan A.E. is animated - and therefore already one step removed from reality - the chases have an added appeal. They seem more intense, with a more dizzying pace. I easily got caught up in the thrill-ride quality of them.

There is also something to be said for how involving the story is. I cared about Cale and Akima finding the Titan. The revelation of how it will rebuild Earth is a fascinating bit of science fiction. The theme calls to mind Ellis Island, in its own way. Don Bluth has combined top-notch visuals with a gripping human story to create an example of the animated art form at its finest. Titan A.E. is as entertaining as it is ambitious.

( 1/2 out of four)

Titan A.E. is rated PG for action violence, mild sensuality and brief language. The running time is 1 hour and 35 minutes.
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