Movies: Tomorrowland

Score:  ****1/2 out of ***** (A)

Directed by Brad Bird
Starring George Clooney, Britt Robertson, Hugh Laurie, et. al.
Running time:  130 minutes
Rated PG

Long Story Short:  Based on a Disney ride, like Pirates of the Caribbean (although that's where the similarities end), Tomorrowland is a difficult to define sci-fi adventure.  What isn't difficult to say is that it's a resounding triumph.  A strong cast includes a solid lead in newcomer Robertson, the reliable Clooney, and a stunning (hopefully break-out) performance from young Cassidy.  They help propel a strong story, interesting, hopeful ideas - and yes, some cool visuals.  Highly recommended.


In 1964, a young boy named Frank visits the World Fair in New York City.  Not content to watch others, Frank has brought his own jetpack to the inventors' competition, though the judge, Nix (Laurie) is unimpressed by its flaws.  A young girl, Athena, watching nearby meets Frank, and tells him to follow her as she and Nix go on what appears to be an ordinary ride.  Frank obeys, and the ride takes him to quite literally a whole new world - one much more receptive to his grand ideas.  Later, in the present day, Casey (Robertson), is another curious teenager frustrated by a limiting world holding her back.  One day, after her frustrations get her in trouble, she has a bewildering but brief experience in the same world Frank found.

Enraptured by the visit, Casey is determined to find a way to get back.  However, forces in our world have been waiting for someone to try to do just that, and will do anything to stop her - for the other world holds a secret that they will not let out.

Tomorrowland is one of the strangest - yet also one of the best - cast movies in recent memory.  Despite what the previews may show, Britt Robertson as Casey is the lead, rather than Clooney's Frank.  Robertson, whom I have not seen before, gives a strong performance.  It's also restrained - I'm going to say this was on purpose, since it works well to allow the audience to, in a sense, use her as their surrogate in the adventure.  But she conveys personality of her own, particularly determination and courage.  With no love interest or similarly limiting cliches, her Casey seems a great role model for younger (esp. girl) viewers.  Though his role is smaller than expected, Clooney's presence is most welcome - at once the stable, safe adult chaperone and also the charming curmudgeon (is that a thing? Well, George is here).  Clooney also does a good job giving the impression of a sharp, exciting mind that is shaking off years of neglect.

The film also features some very strong supporting roles.  None are better than Raffey Cassidy's Athena.  Although somewhat passive early on with young Frank, later she helps out Casey in a vibrant role.  Just twelve years-old, Cassidy is remarkably expressive and equally controlled in her acting.  Anytime she has an active part on screen, my attention was drawn to her like a magnet, though she also easily pulls back when not featured.  Maybe it's just me, but Cassidy's ability to project her emotions off screen is outstanding, and also has great humor and timing.  Really, really hoping filmmakers in Hollywood take notice.  Hugh Laurie is great every time I see him, so not surprisingly he is a pleasure here as well.  And there are small roles (one scene, really) for Kathryn Hahn and Keegan-Michael Key; they are as hilarious as expected.

Tomorrowland is a difficult film to describe succinctly, which is likely (one reason) why the previews are deceptive.  It is also a reason, along with the strong cast, as mentioned, story and sentiment, why it's so good.  With such a premise - there's a parallel universe with future technology and always blue skies! - the filmmakers could easily have leaned on the special effects, from glittering city portraits to high-tech action, to carry the film.  While there is a healthy-enough dose of wondrous imagery, the film wisely instead relies on good old-fashioned characters, story and ideas.  The cast I've already discussed individually, but it's a very good balance in size and chemistry, particularly Casey, Frank and Athena.  They relate well and naturally, unforced.  The script is very good, including dialogue that avoids cheese and/or cliche, and explains enough to bring you into the world but not so much that it bogs down everything else.  And the ideas!  Beyond the high-tech wonders is a strong sense of optimism, of exploration and creativity.  Yes, there are some "bad guys" in the film - including one notable, entertaining scene of Frank and Casey evading attack in his gizmo-laden home.  But the main point is not to defeat someone else, it is rather to become their - and our - best selves.

***

Tomorrowland is a great film, in my opinion, but it is not a straightforward classic.  That's why it has a 49% on RT (although it has plenty of great reviews, shame on critics overall for not giving it more thought), and why it's disappointing at the box office (that, and it's not part of a franchise).  It was not made for any one demographic; I think it's intended for all.  Different parts of it will appeal to different people.  To me, and I've said this about other highly-rated films before, this is just classic, excellent filmmaking.  It does take advantage of today's technology - but only in support of telling a good story, not to replace it.  And working in tandem with the great story and ideas is a great team of characters, with some of the best casting I've seen in years.  This was not a "must-see" movie for me; I thought it looked entertaining, and a good change of pace after last week's Mad Max.  And it was both of those things and so, so much more.  So if you're looking for a great quality entertainment - and especially if you'd like less violence and more optimism - then do yourself a favor and see this.

New - rolling rankings of the summer's movies (click to go to my reviews):

1. Tomorrowland (A)
2. Mad Max: Fury Road (A-)
3. Avengers: Age of Ultron (A-)

As you can see, it's been an outstanding summer movie season so far - I hope you're enjoying it!

"Tomorrowland movie poster".  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomorrowland_(film)#/media/File:Tomorrowland_poster.jpg