Battle for Terra begins with the last survivors from Earth finding a somewhat compatible planet, which they call Terra. They have plans to change the atmosphere to make the air breathable by humans. They don’t care that changing the atmosphere would kill all the inhabitants of the planet, which, by the way, are peaceful creatures who all get along. This planet is filled with amazing residents who fly around, have families, go to school, and basically have serene lives. And the different creatures that live here are amazing. Imagine flying in the sky alongside a big, beautiful whale. What an image. But the violent arrival of the earthlings means it might be the end for the inhabitants of this peaceful world.
Terra Features Voice Work by Evan Rachel Wood, Luke Wilson
With the initial violent arrival of the earthlings, Mala (voiced by Evan Rachel Wood) rescues a downed human pilot, Jim Stanton (voiced by Luke Wilson). She takes him back to her home and agrees to help him rebuild his ship in exchange for his help in rescuing her father who was taken by the humans. Mala and Jim discover that they have a lot in common and become friends, even though his people are planning on annihilating hers.
When Jim returns to the mother ship, along with Mala, he faces the toughest decision of his life. He must choose between her people and his friends and family. Meanwhile, back on Terra, they are gearing up for the battle with the humans. Their peaceful existence is at stake and they look forward to the time when “love and mercy triumph over hate and violence once more.”
RealD 3-D
RealD 3-D adds a little more excitement to the film than a plain animated story. And even though big actors were not seen on screen, their voices were heard. Among them are Roseanna Arquette, Dennis Quaid, James Garner and a long list of others who lent their voices to this film. 3-D movies are making a big comeback, and this is just the latest in a string of new 3-D feature films.
Colorful film about humanity and caring
In the last analysis, this movie is about co-existing. It’s about learning to get along for the mutual benefit of everyone. Director Aristomenis Tsirbas explains, “One of the reasons humans were forced to abandon Earth in the film is that they exhausted their natural resources. Since a large portion of the film’s audience will be kids, it was important to me that the idea of conservation be included in the story.”
