Review of Tomorrowland (2015) by Zack L — 02 Oct 2015

Brad Bird strikes again. I truly wasn't planning on watching this movie anytime soon. Sure, I wanted to see it at some point, but the reviews and box office numbers really dwindled my excitement for this movie. But, given the chance, I decided to watch it. I put my thoughts aside and went in blind, having not seen any trailers or story elements. Boy, was I surprised.

I don't know what it was, but Tomorrowland just worked for me, on a bunch of levels. Sure the structure is uneven, but it makes for an experience that is full of surprises. This movie kept me guessing until the end, and culminated in a visually spectacular and emotionally fulfilling climax. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of intrigue and wonder at which this movie was told. I really think that if this had been made twenty years ago, it would have become an instant classic!

Sure the message of the movie is a little preachy, but it didn't bother me too much. I was on board for the spectacular ride. Brad Bird truly is a marvelous director; one of the best of his generation. I honestly have no qualms with the acting in this film. It was all perfect for what it was.

And that's my main point here. Tomorrowland made good on every promise it made. Every element worked. It knew what it was. But there was just something a little off about it. Like they were holding back with something. Aspects of the plot felt restrained, rushed almost. Perhaps Disney forced Bird to cut out parts of the third act to keep the run-time down. At over 2 hours, I can understand this.

So overall, Tomorrowland is a visually ambitious film bursting with curiosity and wonder. Helmed by visionary director Brad Bird and veteran actors George Clooney and Hugh Laurie, this movie explodes on the screen like a colourful fireworks display of enigmatic wonder.