Atlanta Movie Reviews: TOMORROWLAND

Disney sets sail with an original adventure film fun for dreamers of all ages.

Grade: B-

Based on the popular area of the Disney theme parks, Tomorrowland pits a young, inquisitive girl against foes from another dimension. If that sounds complicated, trust me, it’s not. Disneyfied in every detail, the film is a solid piece that journeys through interesting, scientific realms without ever feeling daunting or heady. The science behind what’s happening isn’t necessarily as important as the message the film is desperately trying to portray. More of that is to come.

It’s refreshing to have a summer movie that isn’t part of a superhero franchise or a remake of something we’ve seen before. With Tomorroland, director Brad Bird (The Incredibles) gets to explore an original idea, which makes this even more fun. The protagonist girl, Casey (Britt Robertson), is hard-headed and confident. Though only a teenager, Casey has set her sights on saving a crumbling launching pad and, by default, saving the idea of space exploration. Her determination is what unknowingly gets her involved with the ultimate race against time.

This is the point when it gets too complicated to explain what’s happening, which is actually a good thing. Tomorrowland, like family-friendly adventures before it, is meant to be experienced. Wonder why none of the trailers seem to explain too much? It’s more fun when you don’t know what to expect.

George Clooney, who receives top-billing, despite Robertson’s standout performance, is a good enough confidant, in an old, miserly way. It’s interesting seeing him not play the charming lead role.

Tomorrowland works when you’re able to take it all in on surface level. There are probably quite a few scientific inadequacies, but theories aren’t the main focus here. The sole reason that Tomorrowland exists is to empower youth to dream dreams. It may sound ultra Disney and super cheesy, but, if you remember when you were 11 or 12, having a dream is more of a motivator than anything else. It doesn’t help that action and adventure are thrown in here.

Pacing issues abound and the effects aren’t anything to write home about, but Tomorrowland is a breath of fresh, somewhat original, air.

Looking for something a little more intense? Poltergeist, the remake of the popular 80s horror flick, is bound to do the trick. Both films open this weekend at Regal Atlantic Station.

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