Tomorrowland (10/12/2015)

Rated PG for sequences of sci-fi action violence and peril, thematic elements, and language.

Starring George Clooney and Britt Robertson

Directed by Brad Bird (Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol and Ratatouille)

I was disappointed in Tomorrowland, but not as much as Disney must be.

Bound by a shared destiny, former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as Tomorrowland. What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever.

Tomorrowland is the first big-budget flop of the summer. Which is a real surprise because it’s a Disney film with a pretty decent cast. George Clooney does a decent job and Britt Robertson is fun and energetic, but there didn’t seem to be enough for them to work with.

There are enough dazzling special effects to compete with most summer blockbusters, but the storyline may be too complex and mature for younger viewers. For example the film’s visual centerpiece involves a massive time-traveling rocket tucked within the Eiffel Tower that launches in spectacular fashion. But it’s a time-traveling rocket tucked within the Eiffel Tower. Some of the other concepts and visuals are too much for younger viewers to fully appreciate. I believe that may explain Tomorrowland‘s lack of success.

It’s not a horrible movie, but really only worth it “If It is Free.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
It is a PG film so there is nothing offensive or inappropriate. Some of the robots and violence may be disturbing for younger viewers.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. If you could create a fantasy world, what would it look like?


2. Have you ever wondered what heaven would look like?

Read Revelation 22:1-5

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.


3. What do you think of John’s vision of Heaven?


4. What part of this vision stands out the most? Why?