Decades ago Walt Disney envisioned a futuristic place where today’s problems would no longer exist…
He called it that place TOMORROWLAND.
Like many other Disney creations that have become attractions at the company’s theme parks, they were eventually transformed into major motion pictures. The most successful probably being THE PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN franchise.
Now the Mouse House gives the movie treatment to TOMORROWLAND and hands the project to filmmaker Brad Bird who’s credits include THE INCREDIBLES, RATATOUILLE, THE IRON GIANT and MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL.
So one would hope for a great movie outing here.
Sadly that was not the case for me as I found the film to be plot-heavy, preachy and on the verge of spinning out of control.
TOMORROW LAND is a kid/family-friendly, PG-rated, save the world adventure saga which takes us to an alternative dimension. A place where science has blown past the world we live in—almost a state of mind.
And to think, the ride kinda, sorta begins with the It’s A Small World attraction….
I’m greatly simplifying things here as there are complexities and roadblocks throughout, heavy with effects and numerous ambitious visual creations.
Because when it comes right down to it, TOMORROWLAND is a danger filled mission to somewhere in time and space where nothing is impossible.
It’s just that the movie lacks something.
Execution maybe. Frankly I can’t seem to put my finger on what that something IS.
Did my mind ever drift during the film’s overlong 130 minute running time? Probably since I found myself mentally comparing it to Disney live action films of an earlier era.
THE COMPUTER WORE TENNIS SHOES, anyone?
The story line is far too involved for this brief take on the movie. Suffice it to say that it involves small, mysterious lapel pins embossed with the letter T, some eye-popping events and the futuristic places they can produce for their owners.
A utopian society, robots, flying monorails and other amazing gadgets should make for a hefty Memorial Day weekend at the box office for Disney’s latest creation.
Having George Clooney and Britt Robertson heading the cast won’t hurt either.
But I can’t see Tomorrowland rising to anywhere close to blockbuster status.
I wish I could be more upbeat about TOMORROWLAND, but for me it’s a disappointing C rating.
(Reviewed at AMC 30, Olathe)
JACK GOES TO THE MOVIES Friday mornings at 6:40 a.m. and 8:40 a.m. on KMBZ, 98.1 FM and anytime on Facebook.
Take heart.
MAD MAX Fury Road was so, so cool.
I lmao.
killer flick.
Got trounced by a sucky Pitch 2. Go figure.