Tomorrowland (2015)
directed by Brad Bird
★★★★½
Forgive me if it seems like I’m overselling this film, but I was constantly in awe of the journey it took me on. In a way, it reminded me of a family-friendly version of The Matrix. The message and feeling it left me with was overwhelmingly positive, and all I want right now is to return to that world. It is disappointing that we will probably never see a sequel to this underrated gem, let alone a full-blown franchise, but maybe that’s to its benefit.
There was a time when movies were just made and released, with no long-term plans. They ended with the audience wanting more, but without a promise that more will come. That is what Tomorrowland has done for me. It’s like seeing Star Wars in 1977. I don’t know if there’s more, but I want it.
Unfortunately, a love for Disney history, and an appreciation for Walt’s optimism, are almost a prerequisite; and that’s probably what killed the film for most people. References are made to the man’s many dreams and accomplishments, without ever mentioning his name. We are never shown as much of this new world as we may have hoped, and I was left feeling slightly unfulfilled in that respect. But everything else about Tomorrowland just worked for me.
