Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Atlantis is Disney's weird middle child—too dark and action-heavy for the princess crowd, too earnest for the Pixar intellectuals, and it bombed at the box office. But here's the thing: it's actually pretty good.

This is one of Disney's most visually distinctive animated films, with a steampunk aesthetic that still looks cool today. Milo is a refreshingly nerdy hero who wins through linguistics and archaeology rather than sword-fighting, and the themes about cultural preservation vs. exploitation are genuinely thoughtful.

The catch? It's violent for Disney. Not gratuitously, but multiple crew members die, there's sustained combat, and the stakes feel real in a way that can be intense for younger viewers. It earned its cult status honestly—kids who were the right age in 2001 remember it fondly, but it's not the sing-along comfort watch that most Disney films are.

If your kid is 8+ and can handle Marvel-level action, this is a solid adventure film with actual substance. Just don't expect Moana vibes—this is darker, stranger, and more willing to let characters face real consequences.

Age Fit

Best for kids 8-14 who can handle action violence and character deaths. The darker tone and complex themes work better for older elementary and middle schoolers. Younger kids might find it scary; teens might find it a bit juvenile despite the mature themes. Adults who appreciate animation and adventure films can enjoy it too.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Models cooperation and teamwork through a diverse crew working together. The protagonist is a genuinely kind, nerdy hero who values knowledge over violence. However, there's significant action violence including deaths of crew members, combat sequences, and some darker themes around greed and betrayal that bring down the wholesome factor. The tone is more serious than typical Disney fare from this era.

Imaginative

85

Genuinely creative world-building with the Atlantean civilization, unique visual style inspired by Mike Mignola's art, and fascinating linguistic/archaeological concepts. The steampunk aesthetic and adventure premise invite curiosity about lost civilizations and exploration. It's one of Disney's more original animated films, not based on existing fairy tales, which gives it strong imaginative credentials.

Safe

65

This is where Atlantis gets tricky. Multiple supporting characters die on-screen (though not graphically), there's sustained action violence including gunfire and explosions, and the villain's death is fairly intense. The opening sequence shows the destruction of Atlantis which could be scary for younger viewers. No sexual content or inappropriate language, but the violence level is notably higher than most Disney animated films. Parents won't be blindsided, but it's definitely PG territory.

Enriching

78

Strong themes about valuing knowledge and preservation over exploitation, respecting other cultures, and choosing ethics over profit. Milo is a linguist and scholar—rare positive representation of intellectual pursuits in kids' media. The film touches on colonialism, greed, and cultural preservation in ways that can spark meaningful discussions. However, it's more action-adventure than deeply contemplative, and the entertainment sometimes overshadows the deeper themes.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Celebrates intellectual curiosity and scholarship—Milo is a linguist hero who solves problems with brains, not brawn
Visually distinctive with Mike Mignola-inspired art style that stands out from typical Disney aesthetic
Diverse crew with interesting characters (though some are stereotypical), and strong themes about cultural preservation vs. exploitation
Genuinely imaginative world-building around Atlantean civilization and technology
Fast-paced adventure that doesn't talk down to kids—treats them like they can handle complex themes

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What to Watch For

Multiple supporting characters die throughout the film—not graphic but definitely present and could upset younger or sensitive kids
Action violence is sustained and more intense than most Disney: explosions, gunfire, combat sequences
Opening destruction of Atlantis sequence is dramatic and potentially scary
Villain's fate at the end is fairly intense (crystallization/disintegration)
Some outdated ethnic stereotypes in a few supporting characters despite good intentions on diversity

Conversation Starters

"Milo wanted to preserve Atlantis while the commander wanted to profit from it—why do you think people make different choices like that?"
"What would you do if you discovered a lost civilization? What would be most important to protect?"
"The Atlanteans lost their ability to read their own language—how do you think that happened? What would it be like to live somewhere but not understand the writing around you?"
"Kida had to choose between helping outsiders and protecting her people—do you think she made the right choice?"
"Why do you think this movie didn't do well when it came out but people like it now?"

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Atlantis: The Lost Empire