STORY STUDY - MEDIUM: FILM “Tomorrowland”

Imagine a place where well-intentioned inventors are invited to contribute to their society with no interference. Sounds like a perfect utopia, right?

Directed by Brad Bird, screenplay by Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird, and story by Lindelof & Bird & Jeff Jensen, Tomrrowland is the story of Casey who mysteriously finds a pin after being bailed out of jail. Touching the pin gives her a vision of a retro-futuristic society, Tomorrowland.

Her first lead is to go to inventor Frank, once a wide-eyed inventor but turned cynical after being banished. Frank has become a recluse, looking at his TV screens that show the end is coming. There’s even a computer screen that has 100%, indicating the end will be coming. However, the idealism of Casey decreases it to 99.9%.

This motivates Frank to reluctantly take Casey to Tomorrowland all the while being hunted down by agents from there to prevent their entry.

As expected from a Disney film, this adventure story is very much rooted in the positivity of idealism. In this context, it shows that even a little bit can change the world, even in the face of Armageddon.

However, unlike a Disney film, it’s surprisingly cynical and violent, even for a PG movie. Take away the title that is based on the land from the Disney parks, and you wouldn’t believe the scenes you were watching would be given the “okay” by them. There’s a lot of cursing… like a lot. Its PG rated cursing, but still. Then there’s the violence. Just picture any kind of violence you would see in a PG-13 action movie. Then get rid of the blood and bone breaking. That’s this film.

Tomorrowland itself looks beautiful. Just look at it. Technology clearly flourished in a way that looks straight out of a sci-fi pulp novel.

Then there’re the characters. In an animated Disney film, there’re some usual suspects. The rebellious girl who’s driven by her family; the grizzled inventor who’s given up; a badass little girl; a villain that you could understand their motivation and logic. Now put them in live action. It suddenly becomes more real and horrific.

The acting from everyone is amazing but the standout is Raffey Cassidy as Athena. She does most of the impressive action and stunt work, even doing some martial arts. In fact, her chemistry with George Clooney’s Frank is really sweet and tragic depending on the scene.

Where the film falters is the pacing and the simplicity of its message. The film doesn’t introduce Frank until the halfway point, which is when the story really picks up. Before, you learn a lot about Casey and her investigating what Tomorrowland is. It’s okay, but it takes a while.

I also feel that it was unrealistic in that it was only Casey that brought hope to the world. Seriously? Only ONE person? Earth hasn’t gotten that bad, right? I mean, the film states that the world will begin its path to true destruction in two months, but still!

Tomorrowland has its faults, but I think there is some serious growth in its film. It takes chances with its cynical characters, crazy action, funny reactions to perilous situations, and characters to root and sympathize for. It may have bombed, but I feel like its serious themes are being explored by this company in future films, live action and animated.