Earth --- reviewed by Craig the Movie Geek
Director(s): Alastair Fothergill, Mark Linfield Synopsis: Three storylines follow the lives of polar bears, elephants, and humpback wales. Narrated by the man with the most recognizable voice in Hollywood --- James Earl Jones (did you know that James Earl Jones, once had a horrible stuttering problem. He eventually overcame it to become the voice of of Darth Vader, CNN, and Simba’s father). This movie was originally part of the documentary series Planet Earth and was narrated by Patrick Stewart. Disney recut the movie and replaced Stewart. They also cut out the plotline of a fourth animal family --- talk about becoming extinct! So, quite a few people have already seen Planet Earth --- I don’t really see the point in putting this out again. But let’s assume you didn’t see the documentary series, in which case, you’ve got a great little family movie here. The theatre viewing also elevates the experience. Like our own Planet, the movie Earth is beautiful. There are some amazing panoramic shots and access like no filmmakers have had before. The narration builds some character into the creatures that we’re following, which makes you root for them all the more. (For credibility’s sake, I’d rather see them presented without some of this narration, but it does make the movie more entertaining, especially for kids.) Also --- most of the violence is implied or edited around, also making it appropriate for children. I like that the filmmakers don’t hit you over the head with some kind of on-the-nose smelly hippy message --- because no one listens when you tell them what to think. The directors mostly present the story and you can draw your own conclusions. Whether you see this movie or go rent the superior Planet Earth documentary, you are in for some seriously eye-popping visuals and a feeling of wonder and majesty. 4 Dorks out of 5 on the Geek-o-Meter.
