Review of Tomorrowland (2015) by Jake C — 20 Nov 2017

Tomorrowland was given a hard time by the critics. Two thirds of the way through I couldn't see why. It's a fun, family movie with an interesting original premise. There's plenty of action, a surprising amount of comedy and an engaging cast (Robertson really shines here and proves herself a very capable physical comedian!).

Plus the whole film looks stunning. A glorious production design presents a future that feels tangibly modern yet simultaneously retro, presenting playful nods to the 1950s vision of the future Disney built in its theme parks.

Plus there's a potent, positive message at the heart of it. What's your problem? And then we get into the third act. Pacing issues start to creep in, the underlying conspiracy at the heart of the story becomes a little confusing and then the environmental message is delivered full force straight between the eyes.

It's a shame. If Bird had deftly delivered the moral core of Tomorrowland the film could have been both a powerful and enjoyable mainstream movie. Yet it's didactic final tone is so heavy handed it makes even the most liberal minded viewer (like me) feel a little awkward.

However up until then Tomorrowland is fresh and fun. I guess if it does sacrifice that in the end by trying to galvanise us to save the world, there's worse cinematic crimes.