I really wanted to like this, mostly because unlike most of CGI animated films, this movie wasn't a comedy, but something more ambitious: A science fiction epic that deals many serious issues, such as the consequences of war, prejudice and ecological destruction
Sadly, most of those themes are poorly treated in this film, being handled in a preachy and simplistic way. At several moments, this movie is even preachier than movies like "Avatar" from James Cameron.
Even with the somber post-apocalyptic elements included in the story, most of the film feels flat and unmotivated, without anything remarkable. The ethical conflicts experimented by the main characters are shallowly explored, missing yet again another chance to introduce complex themes into this kind of animated films. It's like the makers of this film were afraid to do something truly dramatic or intense. Even the scenes that were supposed to be "dramatic" were unable to cause any emotion on me.
While I can appreciate "Battle for Terra" as a meritorious effort to make something different with CGI animation, I can hardly enjoy this film. Personally, I think that it is way too preachy and simplistic to be interesting for the adults, but at the same time, it is too heave handed and dull to keep the interest of the children. That's a shame, considering the great potential of the plot.
Even with the somber post-apocalyptic elements included in the story, most of the film feels flat and unmotivated, without anything remarkable. The ethical conflicts experimented by the main characters are shallowly explored, missing yet again another chance to introduce complex themes into this kind of animated films. It's like the makers of this film were afraid to do something truly dramatic or intense. Even the scenes that were supposed to be "dramatic" were unable to cause any emotion on me.
While I can appreciate "Battle for Terra" as a meritorious effort to make something different with CGI animation, I can hardly enjoy this film. Personally, I think that it is way too preachy and simplistic to be interesting for the adults, but at the same time, it is too heave handed and dull to keep the interest of the children. That's a shame, considering the great potential of the plot.