Feels like an unnecessary addition to a great game, that was good but felt wasted.
When it hit the theatres, it went housefull and FFVII fans breathed a sigh of relief. The latest installment in FFVII franchise in the form of a movie was everything an FFVII fan would want, but was that enough in the basic sense?
Advent Children begins two years, after the FFVII game ended in a cliffhanger. The Meteor still caused considerable damage to Midgar despite Aeris' efforts. Now, living at the edge of the Midgar destruction site called Edge, there is a human settlement forming. In that there is Cloud(still the gloomy mood) living with Tifa (reincarnated style but still awesome looking) who have their own delivery service called Strife Delivery.
They are living with Marlene, Barrett's adopted daughter and Denzel, a mysterious boy that made his way into the Strife household. As soon, as the movie begins there is a sense of evil lurking in the air.
This time it appears initially, in the form of a disease called Geostigma, which affects the children in particular.
So, the basic setting of AC is simple. But, the way it executes is main plot ranges from highly impressive to not so good.
AC's main strength is the way it delivers to the existing fans. The appearance of the characters they loved to play FFVII in all new CGI graphics is sure to appeal to any FFVII fan. Lo! Cloud is no longer made of Lego blocks like in FFVII.
Also, another thing is the appearance of Aeris. How much ever, one may like or hate her, you cannot ignore her charisma and importance. She makes a few appearances in the movie along with Zack (Surprise!Surprise!)
The main attractiveness you might have found in AC had you watched it's trailers would have been the action sequences.
And, this is where AC delivers. The action sequences, though filled generously in the movie are thrilling, intense and will be loved by any movie-goer.
Square might have done something to draw a wider audience, but it's alright considered the story of AC will be understood only by those who have played FFVII.
Otherwise, the story will fly over your head and you won't be able to figure out what is what.
But, those who understand may enjoy the cameo appearances from all the party members while fighting the 4th version of Bahamut in FFVII,that is Dark Bahamut summoned by the three bad guys.
If that isn't enough the highlight of the entire movie will undoubtedly be the 2 and a half minute battle between Sephiroth (resurrected again) and Cloud in the backdrop of the mixed up but still superb One Winged Angel.
At the end, you all FFVII lovers will leave the theatres or your sofas (if you had been watching it on DVD or on PSP) satisfied.
But, the real question arises.
What has AC done to move the FFVII franchise forward?
Basically, it has increased the fanbase by a whole lot and probably has turned a few casual FFVII lovers into FFVII fanboys.
But, the story doesn't move a little, and the status basically remains the same as we thought at the end of FFVII. So, why was AC created?
One would think, that Square would want a more casual entry into movies after their disastrous previous venture.
CONCLUSION:
AC has got some of the best action sequences in animated movies and some great CGI animation which shows that Square still hasn't lost their art.
It will be truly enjoyed by FFVII fans, who will remember the cameo appearances and the brilliant battle between Sephiroth and Cloud.
The story doesn't move much, but still is an applaudable effort from Square of making a successful film from a hugely popular game, pleasing all.