A few exceptions aside, I’m not normally down with Disney films.
Granted, I’m pretty pumped for the new Star Wars film this year, but I don’t really class that as quintessential Disney (more a stellar purchase).
That’s the view I had of Tomorrowland: A World Beyond too, having been pretty impressed by the trailers and the casting of George Clooney.
First things first; don’t confuse Tomorrowland with the one of the main areas at Disneyland.
There’s probably a few lingering links there, but don’t let that put you off seeing this Brad Bird (The Incredibles) and Damon Lindelof (Lost) directed offering.
Clooney may be the big name attached here, but much of the film focuses on Britt Robertson’s (Under The Dome) Casey Newton.
The teenager is something of a dreamer and harbours hopes of one day going to space. Those aspirations get her in hot water, however, as she is arrested after wreaking havoc at a soon-to-be-closed NASA space center.
After a brush with the law, she finds a mysterious pin in her belongings – and when she touches it, she’s instantly teleported to an amazingly futuristic world.
Casey loves what she sees, but it soon becomes clear that the pin served as a tantalising taster of the amazing ‘Tomorrowland’.
Keen to return, Casey eventually links up with charismatic youngster Athena (Raffey Cassidy) – the girl who slipped her the pin in the first place. The pair both want to find their way to
Tomorrowland, a mutual goal that leads them to the doorstep of genius Frank Walker (Clooney), who it turns out has something of a past with the futuristic city.
The trio have pretty strong chemistry, with Cassidy (Snow White and the Huntsman) actually stealing the show as the young, but very street-wise, Athena.
It was my first glimpse of both her and Robertson on the big screen, but both shone alongside a typically charismatic Clooney performance. Look out for a solid cameo from Hugh Lawrie (House) too.
Perhaps the stand-out element of A World Beyond are the immersive visuals and wonderful world building. Tomorrowland looks incredible – making it a real shame that it wasn’t shot in 3D.
Saying that, one of the best scenes took place in Frank’s more dour house. The ingenuity on show is pretty impressive and well worth your time.
However, Tomorrowland is missing that special something. I can’t put my finger on what, but it just didn’t feel like I was watching a film that will go down as a classic.
The ending falls a little flat too, with the villain reveal and twist a little tame for my taste.
That shouldn’t put you off Disney’s latest film, but don’t expect to be blown away.
Voice Verdict: 7/10 (reviewed at Boston’s West End Cinema)
+ Great visuals & world building
+ Solid cast, especially Cassidy
– Missing that something special
Showtimes (Fri, May 29 to Thurs, June 4)
Boston’s West End Cinema
Email: [email protected]
Box office: 01205 363634
Web: www.westendcinema.co.uk/SavoyBoston
**MAN UP (15)
4.25pm (Fri-Sun), 6.30pm (daily), 8.45pm (daily)
**SAN ANDREAS 3D
(12A) 10.30am (Fri-Sun), 1pm (Fri-Sun/Weds), 3.30pm (daily), 6pm (daily)
**SAN ANDREAS 2D (12A)
8.30pm (daily)
POLTERGEIST 3D (15)
8.45pm (daily)
POLTERGEIST 2D (15)
4.30pm (Fri-Sun)
TOMORROWLAND: A WORLD BEYOND (12A)
Noon (Fri-Sun/Weds), 2.45pm (Fri-Sun/Weds), 5.30pm (daily)
MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 3D (15)
3pm (Fri-Sun/Weds), 5.40pm (daily), 8.20pm (daily)
MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 2D (15)
12.20pm (Fri-Sun/Weds)
PITCH PERFECT 2 (12A)
10am (Fri-Sun), 12.45pm (Fri-Sun/Weds), 3.15pm (Fri-Sun/Weds), 6pm (daily)
TWO BY TWO (U)
11am (Fri-Sun)
AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON 2D (12A)
1.30pm (Fri-Sun), 3.45pm (Mon-Thurs)
HOME 2D (U)
10am (Fri-Sun)
KID’S CLUB
Sat/Sun/Mon 10.30am – Shaun The Sheep (U)
SILVER SCREEN
Wed 11.30am – Avengers: Age Of Ultron 3D (12A)
** FREE LIST SUSPENDED
Spalding’s South Holland Centre
Box office: 01775 764777
Web: www.southhollandcentre.co.uk
SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (U)
11am (Fri), 2pm (Sat)
CINDERELLA (U)
7pm (FrI), 6.30pm (Sat)
SUITE FRANCAISE (15)
2pm (Mon/Tues), 7.30pm (Tues/Thurs)
MOVIE CLUB: FELLINI’S 8 1/2 (15)
7.30pm (Mon)
