Amazing next generation effects-- plus a superb movie all 'round!

Rating: 10/10 (15 July 2000)

A marvelous, spectacular movie!!! Very un-Batmanny, un-cartoony. None of that dark, brooding self-indulgent crap that has marred so many cartoon adaptations in the past. In fact, if I didn't know this was an adaptation of a comic book, I honestly wouldn't have guessed it.
First, the special effects are genuinely a new generation of anything seen before. Truly! I know that may sound trite, and maybe not appealing, but that's one of the reasons the effects here are sooooo good. They are so smooth and integrated into the story that at no time did I think: "Oh, a special effect." I just found myself watching and believing and enjoying the movie without much self consciousness or self-awareness of being an audience member. And that's a high achievement for ANY movie.
I am NOT a fan of the genre, particularly, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself at this one. And I suspect that the great actor Patrick Stewart may find his star with this role. He was so good, and so believable and natural that I had to squint my brain to even recall that he was Captain What's-his-name for all those years (and I love that portrayal, too, and hope to see a few more movies yet in that franchise). And the entire cast was wonderful too.
Great job. Fantastic accomplishment-- made a fan out of me. Stop reading this and go to the theater and see it right away-- you'll be very glad you did! I gave this a well deserved 10 out of 10.