Atlantis: Milo's Return (G, 2003)

In ATLANTIS: MILO'S RETURN, Milo and his friends set out from Atlantis to look into strange things happening around the world. Their globetrotting takes them from Iceland to the southwest U.S. deserts, and the team barely manages to stay a step ahead of tentacled monsters and evil spirits as they investigate archeological mysteries. Eventually, Kida discovers a link to her father and the vital Atlantean Crystal, and the key to raising Atlantis from the ocean depths.

This sequel operates on several levels, with varying degrees of success. The movie is steeped in classical folklore from the Nordic gods to the biblical Leviathan, but the references lack context. Adding to the confusion are three separate adventures with one overriding theme of light conquering darkness (which may be interpreted a variety of ways) -- which makes for sophisticated viewing that may not be appropriate for the movie's intended audience. The movie makes up for its cluttered plot with old-fashioned, unrestrained action.

Younger children may squirm at the intense scenes with hypnosis, summoning of other-worldly spirits, destruction, and end-of-all-there-is Judgment Day talk. Older children may be puzzled at Kida's personal quest to justify the release of Atlantis magic that is in some way responsible for all of the madness -- while restoring her father's good name and faith in mankind. But nearly every child will delight in the thrill of the chase, the rush of action scenes, and the beaming smiles on every face of the final scene's closing shot.