Cosmolina: Apocalypse

Cosmolina: Apocalypse is a 2016 Japanese animated superhero black comedy film written and directed by Mamoru Hosoda, animated by Studio Ghibli and Studio Chizu for the Nippon Television Network, Dentsu, Hakuhodo DY Media Partners, Walt Disney Japan, Mitsubishi, Toho and KDDI and distributed by Toho. It is the fourth and final installment in the Cosmolina film series, and the sequel to Cosmolina: Payback (2006). The film stars Ashley Johnson, Yara Shahidi, Tara Strong, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Gary Oldman, Samuel L. Jackson, Vincent Cassel, Colin Farrell, Jon Hamm, Daryl Sabara, Glenn Close, Seth Rogen, Brendan Fraser, Jennifer Connolly, Cuba Gooding Jr., Sam Rockwell, Morgan Freeman, Julie Benz, Embeth Davidtz, John Goodman, Sigourney Weaver and Ray Wise. Set ten years after Maximan's successful conquest of Earth, Emica is in hiding after her secret identity is exposed and now hides on Saturn's moon, Titan. When she meets an orphaned girl sharing the same abilities as Emica, she re-teams with the Meerkats to finally take down Maximan for good. The film received universal acclaim for its animation, visuals, humor, story, screenplay, characters, themes, emotional weight, action sequences, musical score and voice acting, with many critics deeming it a satisfying conclusion to the film series. The film was also a commercial success, grossing $350 million worldwide on a production budget of $55 million, making it the highest-grossing film in the franchise.

Cast
Ashley Johnson as Emica Kugano / Cosmolina

Yara Shahidi as Sasha Montgomery, a street-smart orphaned teen with the same abilities as Emica

Tara Strong as Samantha Vareny / Sunshine

Sarah Michelle Gellar as Suki Morutaki, Emica's best friend who takes Omnium and gains echolocation and extra sensory hearing -the Meerkats.

Gary Oldman as Henry Atkinson, the leader of the Meerkats and former SAS operator.

Samuel L. Jackson as Anthony Williams, A member of the Meerkats responsible for organizing and planning their operations. Formerly a medic in the United States Marine Corps, he is motivated by his attorney father working himself to death while attempting to bring Klein down.

Vincent Cassel as Guillaume, A member of the Meerkats and international arms trafficker skilled in munitions, ordnance, infiltration, and communications. After being coerced into joining to protect his criminal friends, he seeks redemption for his past crimes while battling Klein.

Colin Farrell as Jake Reiner, an LAPD detective who receives Omnium that hardens his skin, effectively making him bulletproof. His ability also gives him a strength boost.

Jon Hamm as James Maxwell / Techno Warrior, a vastly different hero from his predecessors, which were portrayed as super strong heroes with a helm and a jet pack. Having not received a dose of Omnium, Techno Warrior instead has a technologically advanced suit, with which he operates. The abilities of the suit are not fully described. Despite possessing the ability to fly, also makes use of several vehicles and operates out of a cave based headquarters.

Daryl Sabara as Matt Atkinson, the son of Maximan and Mandy Atkinson. He lives a sheltered life with his mother at the behest of Klein until Maximan learns of his existence and begins paying him visits. Matt is initially reluctant to be with his father, who pushes him to use his powers, but warms up to him after learning the truth about his life. Ryan is taken by Maximan and Electricia, but is rescued by Cosmolina and the Meerkats. Matt inadvertently kills Mandy with his heat vision while trying to protect her from Electricia and is taken in by Harrison to be kept hidden away from Maximan. However, with help from Elizabeth Newton, Maximan finds Matt and successfully wins him back.

Glenn Close as Jenny Harrison, the original team leader of the Meerkats.

Seth Rogen as Steve Sercolonous, a new member of the Meerkats who is the team's hacker.

Brendan Fraser as Tom Craner / Maximan, the extremely powerful leader of the Mighty Seven. Beneath his public image as a noble hero, he is narcissistic, sadistic, and cares little about the well-being of those he professes to protect.

Jennifer Connolly as Chloe Smith / Queen Claire, A veteran member of the Mighty Seven with enhanced physical strength and durability. Although she once wanted to protect innocent lives, she has become disillusioned and suffers from burnout. Her spirit rekindled after helping the Meerkats take down Electricia.

Cuba Gooding Jr. as Neil Mattson / Torpedo, a speedster member of the Mighty Seven.

Sam Rockwell as Jasper Brokowski / H2O, a member of the Mighty Seven who possesses the ability to communicate with aquatic life and breathe underwater. He is looked down upon by the other members of the Mighty Seven due to his status as the group's token aquatic hero. Patton Oswalt voices his gills.

Morgan Freeman as Mark Jenkins, the former CEO of Klein.

Julie Benz as Lana Varrick, the current CEO

Embeth Davidtz as Elizabeth Newton

John Goodman as Thomas Morrow

Sigourney Weaver as Tammy Vareny

Ray Wise as The Ultimate, the former Vice President of Hero Management at Klein before he was ousted prior to the series by Eleanor Schaeffer and Mark Jenkins.

Release
The film was released on February 19, 2016.

Music
Marco Beltrami, the franchise's original composer, chose not to return for Apocalypse because of difficulties working with director Mamoru Hosoda. Beltrami said that he had a "miserable experience" working with Hosoda on Payback. John Powell was then announced to score Apocalypse in Beltrami's absence. Powell took inspiration from Vangelis' Blade Runner score, Daft Punk's Tron: Legacy score and M83's Oblivion score. Powell stated he wanted to heighten the danger the movie has in store compared to the previous installments.

Transcript
Cosmolina: Apocalypse/Transcript

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Critical reception
The film has an approval rating of 97% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Gallery
Cosmolina: Apocalypse/Gallery