Review by John Delia
The kid friendly Tomorrowland opens this weekend with a cool adventure that should entertain the 7 to 16 year old crowd. Those of all ages who just can’t miss a sci-fi movie may also be included in this group depending on whether they accept the mild to moderate conflicts and the somewhat realistic message the film presents. As for the production, it’s very good with fine directing, computer graphics and visuals that amaze. It’s the story that takes a hit leaving audiences with a feeling that it’s a little too contrived, predictable and a bit syrupy in the finale.
The film opens with older Frank (George Clooney) talking to a group. He’s prompted by a person off camera to tell his story from the beginning. Flashing back to his childhood we find young Frank (Thomas Robinson) going to the New York World’s Fair in 1964 where he presents his jet pack invention to a scientific group lead by David Nix (Hugh Laurie). Nix is very impressed by the boy’s invention, even though it has not been perfected.
Frank walks away from the group and moments later a young girl Athena (Raffey Cassidy) approaches with a special pin. And thus the adventure begins leading to a world that harbors a mystery that can change the world as we know it forever. Director Brad Bird noted for animated films like Ratatouille and The Incredibles as well as the action thriller Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, puts his talent to work on Tomorrowland. He uses his fine ability to project the amazing world and add the necessary thrills to keep it exciting. He’s an excellent chief and he shows it with his skill to build characters from his actor base.
And his actors are enjoyable to watch. Although the choice of Clooney may be somewhat typecast for his part, he still delivers the stability needed for his acting counterparts. He’s the ‘father’ figure, the connection between the aging Earth and another dimension and must lead believers to Tomorrowland to save it.
The stars however are two youngsters who build characters that believe there’s a way to save Earth from its own destruction. Britt Robertson plays Casey Newton a young girl who’s inquisitive enough to find herself in a jail cell for trespassing on government land. When Casey gets bailed out she holds the pin to another dimension. Her ability to react to the situations in which Casey finds herself and make it all look real makes Britt the perfect choice. She’s the catalyst that pushes older Frank to act on saving the future.
Playing the part of the feisty Athena, Raffey Cassidy shows her skills as the determined young girl that seeks out believers. She’s fun to watch making her character prying and even intrusive at times in order to get certain people to help her. It’s like watching Lisa on The Simpsons, she’s highly intelligent yet persistent at times and with the Tomorrowland plot Cassidy fits the character to aplomb.
There is a downside however, that being the plot which doesn’t leave a lot to the imagination. Yes, it’s anticipated that the journey Casey starts out on will lead her to a world that she’s intended to change. While it won’t be a problem for the youngsters, for science fiction and fantasy lovers it should cause periods of ho hum and yawns. The over two hours of Tomorrowland is a little long for the target audience and not enough originality for the parents that have to tag along.
Tomorrowland has been rated PG for sequences of sci-fi action violence and peril, thematic elements, and language. Some of the fighting scenes are a little rough for the very young. Choose a theater with good sound and digital projection as it will make your experience more enjoyable.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A good film for the youngsters. (C+)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: George Clooney, Britt Robertson, Hugh Laurie, Raffey Cassidy, Thomas Robinson, Tim McGraw, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key, Pierce Gagnon
Directed by: Brad Bird
Genre: Sci-fi, Fantasy, Action
MPAA Rating: PG for sequences of sci-fi action violence and peril, thematic elements, and language
Running Time: 2 hrs. 10 min
Release Date: May 22, 2015
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
Release Formats: 2D and IMAX where available