Featured Audience Ratings

• paul s

  
  Wow, talk about derivative! This film borrows heavily from just about every space film ever made - from Avatar to Star Wars, while telling its tired cautionary tale of bad, greedy humans putting themselves first and foremost; regardless of the cost. It is so obvious in its message… More
  Wow, talk about derivative! This film borrows heavily from just about every space film ever made - from Avatar to Star Wars, while telling its tired cautionary tale of bad, greedy humans putting themselves first and foremost; regardless of the cost. It is so obvious in its message and ham handed in its delivery that it makes the inventive "alien" race and their "fantastic planet" (see, here's a couple of sci fi film titles thrown in just for the fun of it), easy to overlook, which is unfortunate, for, without the sociological preaching and some dumbed down for children aspects, there could have been a decent film here. The fact that the film races through its explanation of human history as if even the filmmakers were tired of the message, should tell you all you need to know. In a nutshell, we are at first introduced to the planet Terra and her environs, kinda tadpole looking creatures capable of floating on the planet's atmosphere. Some nicely done animation shows the denizens going through their daily lives - but then trouble starts as the film focuses on two citizens, a boy and a girl who race around in DaVinciesque flying craft and attempt jaunty banter that comes off as a banal attempt at making these characters identifiable to the kiddies in the audience. This is just the first in a series of missteps, as the film is simply too earnest for its own good -everything is so black and white that even the eventual payoff where a human must chose between his own people and showing signs of humanity (think Avatar in a big way), lacks emotional punch. There is a nice bit of irony when the Humans first appear for the Terrans think their nifty spacecraft are gods, so run in front of them pleading "take me, take me"; I just wish the film had more ironic moments like this in its short run time, for too often it squanders its inventiveness by resorting to cliché and lame solutions to the problems presented to both Terran and Human alike. And speaking of cliché... in the final, balls to the walls battle sequence (again so reminiscent of Avatar), the pilots of the flying crafts on both sides utter just about every line from the Star Wars battle scene - all the "cover me, I'm going in", "I can't shake him", "I've got your 6", etc ad nauseum is all there in embarrassing excess, while the battle itself is simple a jumble, lacking the scope and yet singular focus of the first Star Wars film that this is so obviously mimicking. I'm amazed at the voice talent hired to do this overtly obvious bit of sociological commentary - makes me think that the film was pitched to the talent as a "teach the youngsters about the sins of their fathers" kind of BS. I suppose the kiddies need to learn this lesson, so I'm going to shrug and not condemn this film completely for perhaps it had its heart in the right place, but it's really about as thought provoking as an episode of Gilligan's Island (unless you spend your days wondering why Tina Louise was wearing an evening dress for a 3 hour boat tour - and... ahem, how to get inside that dress... I know I did! LOL).

• JY S

  
  Aristomenis Tsirbas' <i>Battle for Terra</i> is an enjoyable animation with pieces for kids and adults alike.<p>The beginning is sweet and cuddly as the adorable alien creatures of Terra get their introduction; however, what lies beneath is a solid, although… More
  Aristomenis Tsirbas' <i>Battle for Terra</i> is an enjoyable animation with pieces for kids and adults alike.<p>The beginning is sweet and cuddly as the adorable alien creatures of Terra get their introduction; however, what lies beneath is a solid, although simplified, science fiction story. This film is a brief watch, as it doesn't even reach 80 minutes, but it isn't all fun and games. There is a consistent serious tone throughout and this is what caters to the more mature audience.</p><p>The visuals are above average while the human characters end up as the weakest part of the production. The action is also limited, but the final battle sequence is worth noting for both the CG animations and cinematography.</p><p>Despite some recognizable names, the casting isn't extraordinary, but it is acceptable. Evan Rachel Wood is the only one that stands out and is probably the most memorable.</p><p>Simply put, like the story and dialogue, <i>Battle for Terra</i> isn't a masterpiece; nonetheless, it is one to recommend for a viewing.</p>

• Josh L

  
  Battle For Terra just barely squeaks by thanks to its appropriate length, good pacing, and moderate entertainment level that will keep average viewers engaged, but it could have been so much more. The visuals are mediocre and lack polish like many have said (seemed to me like they… More
  Battle For Terra just barely squeaks by thanks to its appropriate length, good pacing, and moderate entertainment level that will keep average viewers engaged, but it could have been so much more. The visuals are mediocre and lack polish like many have said (seemed to me like they lacked texture) and the story wants to be something extraordinary, but settles for a rushed and too tidy ending that doesn't do its ideas justice. It has some good ideas packed into its running length and the action, although pretty ordinary, at least keeps things from getting boring. It's a decent movie, but lower your expectations accordingly.

• Dead A

  
  It's Okay :|

• Luke B

  
  The usual story that animations undertake to examine subjects such as war. A planet of peaceful aliens in touch with nature are invaded by humans. The humans need somewhere new to live and they are going to take it by force. We have the same old characters, from the soldier that… More
  The usual story that animations undertake to examine subjects such as war. A planet of peaceful aliens in touch with nature are invaded by humans. The humans need somewhere new to live and they are going to take it by force. We have the same old characters, from the soldier that learns the error of his ways, to the crazy general that would rather shoot first and ask questions later. Luckily, it's all done very well, even if the animation isn't exactly memorable. The all star voice cast is more of a distraction than a help, but at least the performances are done right. It will be a great film for any kids watching such a story for the first time, but very dull in places for those that have seen a lot.

• A.D. V

  
  Both the animation and dialogue are rather lackluster but I give this sci-fi film props for showing a little more realistic depiction of war (for a kids film anway) and the significance of self-sacrifice.

• Walter M

  
  "Battle for Terra" is a very entertaining, intelligent and impressively detailed animated film that is not without its share of narrative flaws. The film's message, which also serves as a warning, is a simple one of learning from one's mistakes, both environmental… More
  "Battle for Terra" is a very entertaining, intelligent and impressively detailed animated film that is not without its share of narrative flaws. The film's message, which also serves as a warning, is a simple one of learning from one's mistakes, both environmental and political. Cooperation is needed now more than ever which has to come from mutual respect. That is aided by the movie's unique point of view from a people on a far away planet, living a peaceful life whose main technology is centered around flying. Of course with any society this perfect, darkness must come which most of the population assume to be a new god. They should be so lucky. The elders' warning to stay inside does not stop teenaged Mala, not only a talented pilot but also an engineer, from wanting to get a better look. So, she is out of her home when the invaders arrive who grab her father when he is out looking for her. In trying to draw their attention, perhaps too well, Mala manages to crash one of the fighter jets. In return, she saves the life of its pilot, Lt. Jim Stanton, with the aid of a friendly robot.

• Jeff T

  
  How does an animated film get produced without anybody really hearing about it? I have no idea. They're pretty expensive, aren't they? This one sure looks it. This sweet not-for-kids-but-packed-with-good-messages-for-kids outer space battle movie is an odd mix:… More
  How does an animated film get produced without anybody really hearing about it? I have no idea. They're pretty expensive, aren't they? This one sure looks it. This sweet not-for-kids-but-packed-with-good-messages-for-kids outer space battle movie is an odd mix: extravagantly beautiful and imaginative visuals tied to a fairly pedestrian been-there-before sci-fi movie about a peaceful people being invaded by those nasty, territorial humans. Worth seeing for the look of it, and the story isn't BAD, it's just not original. And the creatures look a little like floating spermatazoa. Which is a drawback for a kids' movie...

• Panta O

  
  This computer animated sci-fi film about a peaceful alien planet which faces destruction from colonization by the displaced remainder of the human race was directed by Aristomenis Tsirbas who conceived it as a hard-edged live action feature with photo-real CGI environments. Later the… More
  This computer animated sci-fi film about a peaceful alien planet which faces destruction from colonization by the displaced remainder of the human race was directed by Aristomenis Tsirbas who conceived it as a hard-edged live action feature with photo-real CGI environments. Later the investor Snoot Entertainment redirected the project to become fully animated and appeal to younger audiences... and it seems that is the reason why it is hard to be appealing to anyone older than 10. Lack of depth and I'll say "lack of soul" are the main reason for the law rating. Still... not much negative in it... just lukewarm! The plot reminds a lot to Avatar's but that is the only similar thing... everything else is just average! Good for "little people" and long winter nights only!

• Dannielle A

  
  Here we go... another alien movie to brainwash and desensitize us for when we are told they are really here. In this movie, we are supposed to feel sorry for the cute little aliens who are being invaded by the dying human race which aims to destroy the planet as they know it by… More
  Here we go... another alien movie to brainwash and desensitize us for when we are told they are really here. In this movie, we are supposed to feel sorry for the cute little aliens who are being invaded by the dying human race which aims to destroy the planet as they know it by converting the atmosphere to oxygen so that they can survive. The problem? Oxygen is toxic to the aliens. It wasn't really that great... there were a few funny parts and yes, I admit the aliens were cute, but the animation and dialogue were mediocre.

• Barry L

  
  Its basically Avatar on the cheap. Good film despite this for big kids as well as little ones if a little sad at the end.

• Jim W

  
  An alien planet called Terra is invaded by humans who right away treat the peaceful aliens as hostiles. Mala (Rachel Wood) befriends a human pilot (Luke Wilson) and they must choose between their friendship or the loyalty to their races. The story isn't bad even if the animation… More
  An alien planet called Terra is invaded by humans who right away treat the peaceful aliens as hostiles. Mala (Rachel Wood) befriends a human pilot (Luke Wilson) and they must choose between their friendship or the loyalty to their races. The story isn't bad even if the animation isn't best I have seen.

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