REVIEW: Tomorrowland

TOMORROWLAND

RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW

RATED: PG

RATING: *****/*****

 

PREMISE: (via IMDB) Bound by a shared destiny, a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity and a former boy-genius inventor jaded by disillusionment embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space that exists in their collective memory as "Tomorrowland."      

 

THE PRO'S: Imaginative, intriguing story. Great acting and writing. Good overall message.  Very touching.

 

THE CON'S: A bit too little time spent in Tommorowland itself.

 

THE REVIEW:

 

So this was one that had me intrigued for some time between the mysterious trailers, and the great cast. So I went into this one super-excited, especially when I heard good things from the theater I formerly worked at. And boy was I not disappointed.

 

The movie tells the story of Casey Newton, a big dreamer whose dad is about to be laid off, and who is doing everything she can to keep his job going. One of these stunts lands her in jail, where she discovers a pin she never knew she had. The pin shows her a vision of a place unlike any other: Tomorrowland. The discovery sets her on the path to saving the world with the help of a child-like android, Athena, and a former child genius.

And what a creative journey they all take us on. To begin with, everything in the movie is handled very well. The world that Disney created (based on their Tomorrowland park) is just awesome, and, for what little time we spend in it, magical. Sadly we only get to see a little of the "magical" Tomorrowland, and this is the movie's only fault. I feel like it definitely needed more time getting to see and discover the world, sadly.

 

But that's okay, because it does little to detract from the movie itself. The story itself is super creative, even when we spend time in our world. It's an action thrill ride with a lot of heart, and has a lot of fun sci-fi throwbacks that help to move the story along not only at a brisk pace, but with some absolutely fun references.

 

Probably my favorite part of the movie is the actors and their relationships with each other. Both Thomas Robinson and George Clooney (Young and older Frank respectively) really carry the movie very well. With Clooney's relationships with Casey, played by Britt Robertson, and Athena, played by  Raffy Cassidy really driving the movie. All of the actors really bring an excellent amount of acting to the table, and play it off realistically enough that it's very easy to forget you're watching a movie.

 

I especially love the action, next to the story and the characters/actors. The action in this movie is top-notch, and while over the top at times, is super fun. I especially enjoyed the fights against the androids that chased the leads, as they really were a funny group and brought a ton of humor whenever they were on-screen and were just a pleasure.

 

But most of all, I love the message that the movie ultimately gives. I feel like it's a message people seldom think of, but is one that really just makes the movie stand-out. I won't give the ultimate message away, but I really, really liked it.

 

So....

 

IN CONCLUSION:

 

Tomorrowland is a fun little gem of a film. With a super fun story, characters, and action driving it, it's definitely one of the most fun family-action films out there! If you get the chance, give this one a look, you won't be disappointed.

 

5 OUT OF 5 STARS

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