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Finally, after delay after delay after delay, Final
Fantasy VII: Advent Children was released to DVD. As one
of many recent videogame turned movie adaptations, this
one does exactly what it sets out to do. It aims to please
the fans of the original Paystaion game, Final Fantasy VII.
And pleases it does. ***
Released in the distant days of 1997, Final Fantasy
VII became a phenomenal hit, attracting video gamers across
the globe. Instead of remaking the game to fit the big screen
as a movie, Advent Children extends the story of the original
game, and continues the adventures of Cloud. Now, Cloud
travels the Planet as a transporter. A new disease (Geostigma)
is spreading across the Planet, affecting generally children.
The disease’s main source is Jenova’s cells from the Lifestream.
Three new bad guys enter the scene by the names of Kadaj,
Yazoo, and Loz, with the goals of hosting a reunion to recreate
Sephiroth, and take over the world. Of course, Cloud refuses
to let this happen, and he reluctantly emerges as a hero
once again in the face of mystifying threats. Returning
back to Cloud’s side are the characters from the game, including
Tifa, Barrett, Cid, Yuffie, Vincent, and even Aeris makes
an appearance. ***
While the storyline sounds confusing, and the movie
doesn’t do an extraordinary job of explaining it, the fans
will eat it all up. The return of some of the most dynamic
and likeable characters of videogame history, for the fans,
is enough to make the movie itself enjoyable. Although the
storyline itself may be difficult to follow at times, the
movie does succeed in staying consistent with the original
characters. Cloud is still the quiet silent type, Tifa is
still the tough chick who fights with her fists, and Cid
is still puffing up and talking smack. Connecting the voices
to the old blocky yet loveable original characters, also
acts as an auditory treat.***
If you’re not a Final Fantasy VII fan, then you might
enjoy the movie itself based on other reasons, such as the
visual aspect. The graphics alone are absolutely breathtaking.
Filled with action, the graphics move fluently from one
transition to the other. The exhilarating scenes flow together
quickly, but they’re easy enough to follow coherently. But,
if you’ve never played the game, or you’re a girl, then
most likely you’re not going to enjoy the movie. While the
characters undergo no real development, and the dialogue
may be perceived as cheesy, non-final fantasy lovers may
have some complaints. This is fine, but if you manage to
open your eyes and take in the spectacular scenes which
the movie presents, then it’s a film anyone can enjoy.***
But, for the fans, the film doesn’t fail to deliver
and brings them back into the world they once loved, and
back to the characters they cared about. First time film
director Tetsuya Nomura exceeds expectations, and executes
the additional storyline with ease. While the release date
was indeed painfully delayed, they only proved that some
things are, in fact, worth waiting for.
Image and Sound:
Regardless how your DVD player is setup to your television,
you’re going to notice the beauty of the animation. The
transfer is gorgeous just based on the fact the animation
is beautifully fluid. The sound is great but I suuggest
watching the original Japanese track as the voice acting
leaves something to be desired in the English dub. Still,
this is a beautiful film, worth watching just to see the
pretty pictures. ***
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