Movie Review - Earth (2009)

Narrated by James Earl Jones
Written and directed by Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield

From 1948-1960, the Walt Disney Company released a series of seventeen "True-Life Adventures" -- essentially documentaries that told "a story" of some aspect of nature. The series won eight Academy Awards and, although it was only moderately successful, the theme was close to Uncle Walt's heart.

On this Earth Day 2009 comes a modern attempt by Disney to replicate (and enhance) the success of those True-Life Adventures. Released under the new banner Disney Nature, Earth undoubtedly achieves what it sets out to do -- provide a basic look at the wildlife across our planet.

The stories of three animals -- a family of polar bears, and a mother and child elephant and whale -- are interspersed with quick looks at tropical birds, Arctic lynx, migrating deer, and more. All these animals are beautiful to look at, but the viewer never gets to look at them for long. Yes, it's true that the film is aimed at the pre-school, lower-school audience, but I wanted to learn more -- why did the whales have to swim to the Antarctic, why did the elephants not just stay where the water was for the whole year? It was much too basic for anyone over the age of 10.

But why dwell on the bad? There's too much good about Earth to focus on the one big negative. Nearly every shot is beautiful. There are a few that left me wondering, "Why the heck was that in there," but for the most part, it's an absolutely stunning film to view. When you add a swelling, melodic, and powerful music score (by George Fenton) to the fascinating visuals, you get an enjoyable 90 minutes of film.

I also very much liked the fact that the film doesn't force the "conservation" theme down the viewer's throat. Yes, it touches on the fact that ice caps are melting and deserts are getting bigger every year, but overall, it didn't make me feel like an awful person since I don't recycle as much as I should.

Is the film simplistic? Yes, too much so. But its aim is not to be a biting commentary on the world today. Its aim is to introduce young kids to a world outside their backyard by showcasing some absolutely amazing images. DisneyNature's first foray into the cinema is perfect in that regard.

The RyMickey Rating: B-