Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire is not only the most underrated and underappreciated film the studio has ever produced, but is quite possibly one of the most overlooked and under-watched science-fiction films the genre has ever known. From its distinct, sketchbook-inspired style to the Jules Verne-esque technology and steampunk aesthetic, both are but drops in the ocean of reasons to adore this film.
Despite harsh criticisms and poor marketing on Disney’s part, the film does have a cult-status among both Disney fans and fans of the sci-fi genre. Why are we so set on spreading the gospel of Milo Thatch? Have a look at our reasons Atlantis is a sci-fi masterpiece.
Pillars of the Genre
For Disney Animation’s first foray into science-fiction, they certainly had key elements of the genre done exceptionally well. The Ulysses submarine gives off some heavy 20,000 Leagues vibes, the skills of the crew could match those of the Enterprise, and do we even have to mention the ferocity of the Leviathan?
A mission to explore a loss civilization, impressive technology ahead of its time, a battle with a giant monster, a race of strange — dare we say, “alien”— beings; these are all the makings of a sci-fi epic and Disney nailed them every time. Though they are common tropes of the genre, they’re treated with reverence. They are the foundation with which Disney told this incredible story.
Call Out the Crew
Milo Thatch, though ambitious and eager, couldn’t tackle this job alone. The film is absolutely packed with memorable characters that any viewers can easily invest in and identify with. From the experienced and eccentric crew of the Atlantis expedition to the tribe of Atlanteans themselves, characters of this move are some of the most fascinating and developed Disney has made.
Milo, Kida, Vinnie, Mole, and all the rest are visually and individually engrossing in their design and delivery. We want to see and spend more time with them, which keeps us locked in. You can’t win an audience on Leviathans alone, after all.
Lore of the Lost
In the first 10-12 minutes of the film, the viewer has a basic idea of the Atlantean culture and the plight of the lost city. The story of Atlantis is presented to us in an epic yet tangible way. Right from the beginning, Disney shows us the fall of Atlantis instead of just having Milo lecture us on the subject. It makes us want to learn and experience with the rest of the characters. After seeing a mighty and advanced civilization fall into the ocean, you better believe we’re hooked.
Lost in a Story
Two elements that help make Atlantis so great are its storytelling and its writing. Before the Ulysses even touches the water, we know we’re in for an incredible adventure. And the fun doesn’t just stop there.
Along with Milo, we’re thrust into this grand expedition for the lost civilization. With some of the most mature, gripping, and thrilling storytelling elements seen in a Disney flick, Atlantis has all the epic scope and story of a novel from Verne, Wells, or Bradbury.
The People Under the Seas
Disney’s presentation of Atlantean culture is perhaps one of their most interesting creations. Think about the task the writers and animators had to accomplish. They had to build an entire civilization and race of people that corresponded to the multicultural myths of Atlantis. That’s no easy feat.
Their tribal tattoos, hybrid architecture, and aquatic-themed technology are impressive and intriguing, giving them a believable yet original appearance in form and culture. We can understand why Milo stayed behind to help them recover their ways of life. Out of all the interpretations of the myth, Disney’s is probably the most identifiable and beloved.
Genre-Bending
The first half of the film, until the arrival in Atlantis, is almost pure sci-fi/steampunk. With the giant machines, stylistic technology and battle with the Leviathan, the film is a smart and creative adventure. When the Atlanteans are introduced with their mystical crystal, majestic city, and strange culture, it becomes almost like a trip to Rivendell.
There are some films that push the limits of what their genre can be. With Atlantis, Disney not only bends their genre but blends it into something beautiful. That being said, we’d be lying if we said we couldn’t see the seam in the film where the sci-fi meets the fantasy. It’s a blissful marriage of genres that complement each other beautifully.
Behind the Mic
Not only are the characters some of the best for their genre, but the cast that brings them to life are some of the biggest names in nerd culture. Michael J. Fox, John Mahoney, Jim Varney, Corey Burton, and Don Novello are just a few of the actors that help bring these characters to life.
With an eclectic cast featuring stars of Back to the Future, Frasier, and Saturday Night Live, you might assume such a strange combination would be a mixed bag of hit-and-miss. You’d also be wrong. The team behind the characters of Atlantis not only bleed seamlessly into their roles, we forget we’re listening to famous voices.
Geeked Out
Most geeky leads undergo a dramatic transformation from scrawny nerd into hero. This does not apply to the cunning linguist, Milo Thatch. He remains the geek throughout the film, being just as overzealous about history as one of his kind might be over comic books. What makes Milo stand out is that he is consistent and also realistic.
The difference between Milo Thatch and someone like Peter Parker is that while both are brilliant intellects, it’s this very skill that Milo wields as a weapon. It’s his understanding of Atlantis that saves the day, not physical ability or a radioactive spider-bite. He is still the nerd of the group, but he’s rewarded for his passions.
Mature Morals
Most Disney films are harped on for their blatant moral codes. Speak from your heart, be true to yourself, believe in your dreams. All those adages are well and good, but they’re not going to affect an adult audience much. Atlantis, however, mixes things up by showing the repercussions of capitalistic greed and the pillaging of ancient artifacts.
Admit it, we don’t often think about the consequences of extreme excavation and archaeological digs. Consider how many royal tombs and temples have been ransacked all in the name of science. Not to mention those who benefit from the plunder. It’s a thought-provoking message not expected from Disney.
Not Just for Kids
Atlantis is a sci-fi epic with a gripping narrative, mature morals, and concrete characters. But upon a further rewatch, we realized that this was a Disney flick geared more for adults than for kids. The kids can certainly enjoy it, but the only thing that keeps it from being a film for adults is the animation.
This was Disney’s attempt at an animated film for a more mature audience. It’s more dramatic, heavier, and atmospheric than any Disney animated feature before. Yes, it has its kid-friendly moments and goofy characters, but at its heart it’s a mature and emotional adventure with a more adult audience in mind.
