The Message In "Tomorrowland" Gets Lost In The Journey
DETROIT (WWJ) - Dozens and dozens of movie lovers stood in line earlier this week for their chance to see George Clooney's latest movie "Tomorrowland" before it officially opened in theaters. Was it worth the wait?
First of all, let me say that based on the previews for "Tomorrowland," I was really looking forward to seeing this movie. After all, the previews make "Tomorrowland" look like THE place for kids of all ages to go to have a great time; sort of like Disneyland. But, unfortunately, the fun only sticks around for a very short time. The movie instead spends the majority of its time focusing on efforts by teenager Casey Newton -- as portrayed by actress Britt Robertson -- just to get to "Tomorrowland." This, after Casey visits the strange land a few times courtesy of a mysterious and powerful pin tied to the 1964 World's Fair.
After getting only quick snapshots of "Tomorrowland," moviegoers would be better served if they would have a chance to see what makes "Tomorrowland" such a great place. After all, there's a reason Casey wants so much to return there time and time again.
Another issue I have with "Tomorrowland" is the decision to cast George Clooney in the role of Frank Walker. While there's no disputing that Clooney is a fantastic and good-looking actor, he's miscast in the role of the former boy-genius. He's simply outgrown it and it feels awkward watching him in it. I didn't buy it for one minute and when it seemed like he might kiss the much-younger Athena, it felt very uncomfortable. Sorry, George. It's time to pass the torch for roles such as these.
In fact, the perfect actor for the role of Frank Walker would have been someone like Chris Pratt, who's still riding high from his leading role as "Star-Lord" in the box office blockbuster "Guardians of the Galaxy." Based on his performance in "Guardians," I'm sure Pratt would have been outstanding as Walker. If they do a sequel, maybe they'll cast Pratt as Walker's grandson.
In the meantime, I would catch "Tomorrowland" either in "dollar movie-land", "Netflix-land" or "cable-TV land."
See you at the movies!
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Member:
Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA)
Detroit Film Critics Society (DFCS)
African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA)
Digital Arts, Film & Television (DAFT)
National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)
