Review of Tomorrowland (2015) by Twall3 — 31 May 2015

7 is a good score for most films, but this isn't most films. It's a Brad Bird film which means it should have been a 10+. The Michael Jordan of Film Directors, his previous 3 animated films established him in a class above all others. In Tomorrowland, it seems Mr. Bird and company were having an off game. I had read the negative reviews by critics and then more positive reviews by fellow film goers. With all that in mind I was prepared to be both entertained and disappointed. But then as the film got rolling I was convinced that the negative reviews were all part of some conspiracy to undermine a wonderful film about dreaming boldly and bravely making those dreams come true. However well into the second hour I realized the proverbial hot air balloon of wonder was quickly loosing altitude. The ride was almost over and we hadn't gotten to the promised land of innovation and inspiration.

The characters where all very likable, the premise was exciting, but as others have complained there was far too little tomorrowland time or deeper glimpses of what made the supposed special characters special. Ugh. In spite of falling short, did it succeed in inspiring me to dream big and make those dreams happen (maybe making the world a better place)? Maybe, but no more than the 2 minute trailers did. Ok, the scene early in film about the young inventor explaining his jet pack was brilliant, but few further inspired moments followed. Still think the world of Mr. Bird, but as with all heros, realized he is in fact mortal. Maybe next time he'll lose the co-writer and keep it true to his gifted inspired vision.