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Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow!
The title of the film should sufficiently give you a good idea of what this
film is like. If you are having trouble, close your eyes and try and
remember every adventure serial you possibly can. Still can't imagine?
It is the early 1940's, and
the beautiful reporter, Polly Perkins (Gwyneth Paltrow), is investigating
the disappearance of several important scientists. Suddenly, gigantic robots
attack New York City, and the only hope the world has is Sky Captain (Jude
Law), the ace pilot equipped with his futuristic arsenal. Together with
Polly, Dex (Giovanni Ribisi) the technical genius, and Captain Frankie Cook
(Angelina Jolie), Sky Captain must uncover who is behind the mysterious
robots while the world faces a technological Armageddon.
Sky Captain is just
what it looks like. It is the perfect mix of Indiana Jones and
Star Wars; Spielberg and Lucas, entertainment and art.
Let me be perfectly honest,
you've seen this film before. Every bit of it should be familiar to you.
Even Shearmur's score is a knock off of every popular John William film to
date. I know the director/writer Kevin Conran grew up on Indiana Jones
and Star Wars. Conran even nods to The Empire Strikes Back
with the line "Permission to land of platform 327," when Sky Captain arrives
at the aerial base.
Everyone knows stories and
plot points are recycled more often than paper and plastic in Hollywood. So
what makes Sky Captain so good? It's done very, very well.
First off, placing this story
in the 1940's is pure genius. It makes it hard for people to let go and
enjoy the fantasy, but that is what makes it fun. Secondly the visual tone
of the film. Sky Captain is basically a live action, noir cartoon
filled with atmosphere and diffused light. The result is stunning, and it
helps to sell the classic serial idea a whole lot.
The design of the film is
also incredible, both artistically speaking as well as cinematography. Shot
compositions are original and artistic. Lastly, the visual effects are
incredible. All actors were shot on a blue screen. Nearly everything in the
film in computer generated, and it's pretty well.
I have to say I am shocked
this film didn't get a single Academy Award nomination for any design or
effect department. It is certainly as deserving as this year's nominees...or
even more so for originality.
The most important thing to
remember when you watch Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow is to
turn your brain off. Find the spirit of adventure and entertainment in the
movie, and enjoy the ride. It is a fantastic journey...and remember its
supposed to be fun, not realistic! |
