Tomorrowland (2015) Review!!

Synopsis – Bound by a shared destiny, a teen bursting with scientific curiosity and a former boy-genius inventor embark on a mission to unearth the secrets of a place somewhere in time and space that exists in their collective memory.

My Take – First let me get his out of the way -Brad Bird is a genius! If you don’t believe me you can check out Disney-Pixar’s two most distinctive animated films i.e Ratatouille & The Incredibles, not yet convinced? Check out the fourth installment in the Mission Impossible franchise Ghost protocol, a film which revived the always awesome yet lagging Tom Cruise’s career. This film is clearly an offspring of his brilliant ideas. Even though the trailers kept the film as much hush hush as possible, which is usually not a really good sign, but with Bird’s direction, the heart of the story and strong performances, this film is extremely memorable, even if it isn’t ground-breaking as summer blockbusters usually are! The story follows Frank Walker (George Clooney), who once upon a time, we learn in flashback, went to the World’s Fair in 1964. Wide-eyed, brim full of big ideas, excited about the future, Frank is the spirit of the early Sixties poured into the body of a kid. At the Fair he meets two people who will change his life: a tech giant by the name of David Nix (Hugh Laurie) and his bright as a factory full of buttons daughter Athena (Raffey Cassidy).

Via them, Frank is given a glimpse of Tomorrowland, a world as shiny and hopeful as himself. Cut to several decades later we get to meet Casey Newton (Britt Robertson), who despairs at the way her age sees space travel as a costly dream, and teachers who tell her constantly that the world is going to hell in a hand cart economically, environmentally, and every other way, and there is nothing anyone can do about it. Casey is tired of hearing about problems. Where are the solutions, she demands. Yes, she is rather annoying. What brings Frank, now bitter, cynical and a recluse, and Casey together is the basis of Brad Bird’s film. This film is true Disney fantasy epic, full of intense action, emotional heft and imaginative creativity that only Disney could create. The film, though, takes the “ride” to unbelievable heights, and I’m curious as to why there’s so much hate surrounding the film. Like the idea of the place, the film doesn’t focus on resolution. No, it focuses on tomorrow, what comes after. So, if you think the second act of the film drags quite a bit, it’s because you’re watching it as a traditional movie with traditional story-telling. This isn’t that at all. We have finally got an original concept movie not based on books/stories/previous materials. The movie never ceased to amaze me from start to finish. Admittedly there are moments which does make one a little impatient. But right then something would happen and drawn me into the movie again. To be fair, I probably enjoy it more because of above average familiarity with Disney parks/history/movies. But there are plenty of humor and ideas in the movie to fascinate everyone. There is one strong message being delivered throughout the movie &t it never tries to shove it down your throat as it just wants to inspire hope! The story of this film was truly unique. It fells the tail of two unlikely characters that come together, bonding in some truly amazing character connection, and chemistry against a group of cyborgs that refuse to allow them into the hidden land, only available for those who connect the clues, and figure the secrets of Tomorrowland. It’s a story that executes amazingly, sending the audience on an amazing thrill ride of entertainment, action, comedy; as well as a ride of conflicted feelings that proves to not fail. In this case, audiences all around, no matter what age will enjoy the pleasantly unique story, as well as the characters.

All characters combine amazingly, creating amazing chemistry, as well as acting. The film, here, also possesses an amazing sense of style. It has many, many visual effects that will fill the audience with a sense of adventure, and inspiration. It also widens the eyes of audiences everywhere with it’s complex – like story that explains itself through out the film, opening some mysteries, and twists that will guarantee to brighten up anyone who watches this. Its a pleasure to see George Clooney drop his charming ladies man act & try on something more depressing & darker in tone. Without saying too much, an otherwise ridiculous relationship turns out to be one of the more believable and memorable one due to his acting. Britt Robertson is very likeable, while Hugh Laurie is wasted! The real stand out performance comes from 12 yr old Kathryn Hahn, who manages to steal the show in every frame she appears. In truth though, they couldn’t have found a better man for the job. Taking the warm ’60s nostalgia of The Iron Giant, the quick-fire pace and ’toon energy of The Incredibles and the elaborate yet taut action of Ghost Protocol, Bird blends everything into a thoroughly modern slice of vintage Disney. The fact that you leave the film with more questions than answers is sort of the whole point. None of which takes away from the gleeful, heartfelt, old-fashioned spirit of adventure that keeps your head spinning in a good way. Following up his live-action debut Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Pixar veteran Brad Bird’s sci-fi opus buzzes with fresh ideas. After the summer flops of the much-hyped John Carter and The Lone Ranger, Tomorrowland is a big gamble for Disney. So all credit to the Mouse House for letting Bird throw his ideas at the screen! On the whole, “Tomorrowland” is a truly meaningful film that had depth. It also possesses true adventure, and inspiration. It’s an amazing ride for anyone, no matter the age, as the film also possesses some mature humor. It also has a truly unique sense of style from visual effects, character development, plot, and story. Making this a truly nice film that I had the pleasure of seeing early. I truly recommend this to anyone. You won’t be disappointed! Indeed, if you’re willing to let a few things slide, this is one of the best family blockbusters in years!