Mitchell Stein- 1 year. Nine Months. Eight Days. The exact duration that I have been impatiently waiting for Tomorrowland to finally come to theaters. Now that the film is out, I am faced with the daunting challenge of writing about a film that means a lot to me because of the incredible journey it has been. What are my thoughts on the movie? Did it live up to my expectations? Was it really worth the wait?
Although Tomorrowland is a stand-alone film and isn’t based off a sequel or existing franchise, it’s story began over a year ago with a viral marketing campaign, titled The Optimist. The “alternate reality game” accomplished diving into the backstory of “Plus Ultra”, the top secret society that were involved in the creation of “Tomorrowland” (the location). The novel, Before Tomorrowland expands on this. Probably the only reason why I felt disappointment towards this film was because of the previous knowledge I had to it, and I created my own conclusion of how the film would be and set my expectations in the wrong way. Putting all those thoughts aside, and looking at the film with a fresh perspective, I’ve come to a conclusion that Tomorrowland is one of the most fun, winsome and inspiring summer blockbuster to hit the big screen in many years.
Although it’s got its flaws (which I will go into non-spoilery detail shortly) it’s so wonderfully ambitious, and bursting with imagination. Bird, Lindelof and Jensen have created a stunning magnificent world that audiences will love and want to visit. In many ways, Tomorrowland itself is a bit of a metaphor. It represents the very best of human innovation, and how together we can all build a better future. It very much captures the spirit of Walt’s vision of the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (a.k.a EPCOT Center)and carries that level of Optimisim that Walt so wonderfully displayed.
The cast of actors in this film are hysterical and brilliant throughout. It should come as no surprise to anyone that George Clooney is absolutely marvelous in this movie with his role of washed up and frustrated Frank Walker, who is now living alone in a desolate farm in the country. hilarity and adventure ensues after our main protagonist Casey Newton (performed spectacularly by the young and talented Britt Robertson) and Frank team up together for their journey into Tomorrowland. Tying together the entire film is Athena, played by Raffey Cassidey, who by far is the biggest breakout star of the entire movie. Cassidey continued to amaze me with her impeccable acting, and Athena steals the entire show, which was such a major surprise and delight. Also joining the party is Hugh Laurie as David Nix, whereas aside from his unexplained rise to power is such a wonderful part of the whole movie, and although there’s a scene in which Nix delivers a bit of a “cliched” villain monolouge, the dialogue is wonderful and it’s one of the best performances in the entire movie. If there’s at least one thing this movie merits from, it’s from the impeccable performances throughout.
Other supporting actors include Keeygan Michael Key (from Key and Peele fame), Kathryn Hahn, and Tim McGraw who all play their roles wonderfully into this film, but are more like cameos in the grand scheme of the whole movie.
The cinematography is absolutely stunning. I can’t recommend you see this film in the highest quality possible on the biggest screen possible. The gorgeous colorful city of Tomorrowland on the big screen will make your jaw drop. The movie is best viewed in IMAX, and it looks amazing in that format. Another great merit it would be inappropriate not to mention is the vibrant, score that Michael Giacchino delivers. Every track either tugs at the heartstrings or helps bring the action to life as Giacchino is so famous for doing. This film is no exception.
Many will complain about the short amount of time that is actually spent in Tomorrowland, but the film is really more about the journey than the destination. I think that director Brad Bird found the perfect amount of blending enough time between the real world and Tomorrowland, integral to the plot and the profound message deep in the heart of the film. The future is what we make of it, and anyone can make a difference. Tomorrowland represents that ideal, and a better future that we can build by ourselves, and every choice we make has an impact on that great big beautiful tomorrow. It’s a very Disney-ish sort of feel to it, as it’s strongly inspired by the same ideals Walt Disney progressed in EPCOT Center.
As wonderful as this movie sets out to be, there are some several key flaws that lay on its surface, and most of that comes directly from Damon Lindelof’s writing department. There’s a subplot that doesn’t really go anywhere, and a climax that arrives right out of left field. Lindelof has become infamous in recent times for his frustrating endings (need I mention LOST?) and this one has just a touch of that annoyance and rigor. I wouldn’t call it awful, but it does leave a sort of lingering desire for something a little more promising.
Tomorrowland is a movie that shoots for the stars but doesn’t always achieve it, but it’s enough to overlook at the majority of times. It may not be the mind-blowing extravaganza I had been hoping for, but it’s an insanely fun movie packed with so much innovation, inspiration and imagination. It may not become a cinematic classic in time, but it’s a crazy fun ride.
Final conclusion: 3/5 Stars
TOMORROWLAND is now playing in theaters nationwide.
The Mickey Mindset 
I’m not unhappy I went to see Tomorrowland, but like you I was riding a year-high of anticipation, so for me it definitely fell short. Oh well, I still enjoyed it. The monologue by the villain at the very end was worth the price of admission alone, as he explained exactly what’s wrong with society but no one even listened. Ah well, that’s us!
LikeLike