Terra (Battle For Terra) (2007)

48% of critics liked it
(94 reviews)
42% of users liked it
(67,524 ratings)

When the peaceful inhabitants of the planet Terra come under attack from humans in search of a new home, the friendship between a human pilot and an alien girl may hold the key to saving both races. Mala (Evan Rachel Wood) is an alien girl living on the planet Terra. The Terrians are gentle race of… More When the peaceful inhabitants of the planet Terra come under attack from humans in search of a new home, the friendship between a human pilot and an alien girl may hold the key to saving both races. Mala (Evan Rachel Wood) is an alien girl living on the planet Terra. The Terrians are gentle race of extraterrestrials that have no need for war, and harbor a deep respect for nature. When Earth's natural resources began to dwindle, the human race established colonies on Venus and Mars. Although that solution worked temporarily, tragedy struck when the colonies on Venus and Mars attempted to declare independence from Earth, and all three planets were destroyed in the ensuing war. Now, humankind's only hope for survival is to reach Terra. The few remaining humans have developed a machine that will make Terra habitable for them yet poisonous for Terrians, and while the human council is dedicated to finding a peaceful means of coexisting with the Terrians, the villainous General Hemmer (Brian Cox) is fast losing patience. When heroic human fighter pilot Lt. Jim Stanton (Luke Wilson) crash-lands on Terra while chasing Mala into uncharted territory, the empathetic alien girl saves his life, and an interspecies friendship is forged. But time is running out for both the humans and the Terrians, and when General Hemmer stages a military coup d'état, the stage is set for a battle that threatens to destroy both species. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 25 min.
Directed By: Aristomenis Tsirbas
Written By: Evan Spiliotopoulos
Genres: Action & Adventure, Animation, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: May 1, 2009 Wide
On DVD: Sep 22, 2009
Studio: Roadside Atrractions

Critic Reviews

Andrea Gronvall, Chicago Reader
This 3D computer animation is more otherworldly than most sci-fi films, and its environmentally conscious theme couldn't be more timely.
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
In making animation that isn't dark enough for older fans and is too message-centric for kids, Team Terra has created a film that will probably satisfy no one.
Ben Mankiewicz, At the Movies
It did not work as [well] as many of the recent animated movies that we've had in the earlier part of this year or last year.
Ben Lyons, At the Movies
I don't think younger or older audiences will be interested.
Kyle Smith, New York Post
Aggressively ugly and intergalactically boring, the dismal sci-fi kiddie cartoon Battle for Terra is too weak to be shown anywhere except maybe on the next flight to Saturn.
Amy Biancolli, Houston Chronicle
An earnest 3-D eco-sermon.
Kelly Vance, East Bay Express
If there were ever a need for artificial intelligence, this is it. E.T., phone your agent.
Graham Young, Birmingham Post
There are exciting moments but it's all a little too earnest and forgettable.
Neil Smith, Total Film
It's not just Avatar that Aristomenis Tsirbas' film suffers in comparison to - even Planet 51 looks good beside it.
Alan Jones, Radio Times
This preachy animation parable remains resolutely dull and lifeless.
David Edwards, Daily Mirror [UK]
Despite the déjà vu there's plenty to enjoy, and not just for kids, from an earnest environmental message to animation that comes alive when seen in 3D.
Allan Hunter, Daily Express
A stodgy, earnest tale.
Derek Malcolm, This is London
The animation has an almost filigree quality that contrasts favourably with all but the best of its competitors.
Robbie Collin, News of the World
With its suspiciously similar plot and cheapo production values, a name change to Chav-atar is all but a formality.
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall
This original, vividly designed sci-fi animation makes an astute commentary on current issues.
Jordan Farley, SFX Magazine
It's the ASDA-price Avatar.
Amber Wilkinson, Eye for Film
The green issues -- not to mention an Iraq bombing reference -- are laboured and presented through huge amounts of exposition.
Bill Gibron, PopMatters
As it stands, Battle for Terra is a cinematic seesaw - up one moment, dragged down by derivative facets the next.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
That the film has a fair amount on its mind and expresses its concerns in an effectively restrained manner is just gravy on top of a true visual feast.
Jordan Hoffman, UGO
When the title has the first two syllables of the word 'terrible' in it, there are opportunities to take pot shots. Battle For Terra is a flawed film, but it is not a failure.

Read all 21 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Justin Y

Aristomenis Tsirbas' Battle for Terra is an enjoyable animation with pieces for kids and adults alike.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' Battle for Terra is an enjoyable animation with pieces for kids and adults alike.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.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.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.Simply put, like the story and dialogue, Battle for Terra isn't a masterpiece; nonetheless, it is one to recommend for a viewing.
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.