“Earth” is the product of Disney’s new spin-off company – DisneyNature. It’s their first movie honoring our planet. And it won’t be their last (more on that later).
“Earth” is a documentary about a year in the lives of the animals and planets that live on our planet. It specifically follows three animal families: whales, polar bears and elephants, as they deal with dangers and harsh conditions, while trying to survive the year. Actor James Earl Jones and his legendary voice narrate the film.
Visually, this is phenomenal film. It’s beautifully shot and we get to see images that you’d never think could be captured on film. The use of slow-motion and time-lapse photography add to the incredible look of the movie.
The problems with “Earth” are with the story-telling: Some of the scenes go on for too long and the individual stories of the three families aren’t interesting enough to hold your attention. I have to admit, after a hour or so “Earth” gets a little boring.
Also, the film is a bit confusing as it goes back and forth from the different animal groups as they travel from different climates and seasons and hemispheres. It was tough to keep track of what month of the year it was when I saw the movie in the theater. Maybe on DVD it will be easier.
“Earth” is somewhat similar to 2005’s Academy Award winning documentary “March of the Penguins”, which followed a family of penguins through a tough year. But the difference is that you are more emotionally attached to the penguins that you are to the whales, elephants or polar bears in “Earth” because you don’t get to spend as much time with them.
“Earth” is rated G. It’s safe for the entire family, even the little ones, who will think the animals are cute. And parents: even though about a half dozen animals are killed by other animals in the film, those scenes are not violent and there’s no blood.
On The Official Kid Critic Report Card, “Earth” only gets a C+.
DisneyNature’s next film is “Oceans”, which will be out on Earth Day, 2010. Once again it will be filled with dazzling footage of our planet’s underwater creatures. Let’s hope it has a better story to go with the great images.