I thought that if you loved Heroes and Disney theme parks, you would adore Tomorrowland. I thought wrong.
Wait! – Don’t go anywhere, the review isn’t over. I just had to tell you right off that this was not exactly a trip of a lifetime. There are some worthwhile scenes and intriguing questions that make excellent takeaways. Let’s just say that George Lucas has nothing to worry about.
The trailer is what got me going. Touch an archaic pin and enter another dimension. Yes, ascension courtesy of the Disney Corporation. Well, not so fast.
Tomorrowland is a science fiction fantasy film based on the futuristic section of Disney theme parks. The action begins when a young boy rides a greyhound bus to Flushing Meadows to visit the 1964 World’s Fair. I was so excited to revisit my childhood on the big screen. He hitches a ride on A Small World’s boat and things get woo woo. For a few seconds I was reliving one of my earliest memories sailing into this beautiful global paradise. Then mayhem and hijinks ensue.
I will break it down into pros and cons and then you can decide if its worth your time and money.
Pros:
The acting is very good. George Clooney is perfect in the lead and the newcomers are engaging.
The special effects are top-notch.
The juxtaposition of past and future is interesting.
Ideas such as time travel, creativity, optimism versus apathy, the power of imagination, are well illustrated.
There are a few truly funny moments and emotional exchanges.
Cons:
I was not sure if I was viewing a grownup film or something a young Lindsay Lohan would star in. (Raffey Cassidy reminds me of a young Ms. Lohan.)
There was too much slapstick and not enough future. There was very little footage of this enigmatic future world. With such a big budget, it is curious why most of the action took place in every day 2014ish America.
The plot was disjointed and very slow-moving.
Just like the movie’s premise, so much potential but a disappointing delivery.
I am glad I saw the film because it made me think about popular culture’s impact on how we see our planet. It just wasn’t the film I was expecting, based on the trailer I viewed and the accompanying hype. Please let me know your opinion. We enjoy robust discussions and healthy debates here at litebeing chronicles.
The good news is that a new Star Wars is coming out later this year and that the future is not fixed in stone.
litebeing chronicles 
This sounds an interesting film Linda… I am pleased you got to revisit some of your childhood memories through it.. 🙂 I had not even seen this film advertised here, but I have had my head buried in the garden for the last couple of months 🙂 xx
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I don’t know if it is showing now in the UK. It was interesting and might be fun to see with older kids or teens. I think it may not be great for younger kids, but that’s my opinion.
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I enjoyed Tomorrowland. I didn’t go in expecting too much and thought it was a fun movie. The story, for me, was more about the relationship between Athena and Frank then ‘time’ (even if one of them was not human, and maybe even more because of that!) The young actors –Britt Robertson, Raffey Cassidy, and Thomas Robinson– were fantastic. (I was particularly impressed by young Raffey’s performance). George held his place among them.
It’s possible that my experience was influenced by the guy behind the ticket window. After I purchased my ticket and entered the building, he caught up to me inside the concession area and told me he forget to give me something- then handed me one of the pins from the movie. 🙂 Made me smile, but alas, the pin did not work! Some movies are great, some are good, some are just okay. This one was good.
Looking forward to the upcoming Star Wars movie, too!
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Yes, getting a magic pin would have upped my experience. How cool is that! I keep forgetting to throw out expectations, sigh 😉
The subconscious screenwriter in me had a different direction in mind. Something like a look at Atlantis before it imploded, along with a Heroes inspired search for the best and brightest ( aka awakened ones) to bring Earth into the happiest Earth on Earth>
But there will always be more storytellers and more stories.
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the grandkids and the kids want to see this…so some time or other I’ll be seeing it…I’ll try to remember to let you know my thoughts 🙂
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If you see it, I would enjoy your reaction.
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Interestingly enough I went with kids and grandkids this past Sunday afternoon to see Tomorrowland. George Clooney is as enjoyable to watch as Clark Gable and Sean Connery ‘) The movie was not Star Wars, Stargate or Star Trek, however, I liked the message…that there are people out there who can help solve earths problems…who can get us started and help us accomplish the mission. Overall I enjoyed the movie including Hugh Laurie as the antagonist 🙂
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George has a strong appeal for many and I liked him in this film. Glad you had a good time!
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I agree Linda. The movie was ok. Was hoping for more meat.
We saw Love and Mercy today. Very good story of Brain Wilson’s struggles with mental illness.
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Glad to hear your take Debra. I will have to keep Love and Mercy in mind.
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The movie does a good job of showing Brian’s perspective. It’s very sensitive with good acting and good music.
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Did you see the trailer for Pan? It looks intriguing.
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Yes, that one is definitely on our list!
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