If you're not sure what the title means, then you haven't seen Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. Having just seen it recently, I'll fill you in.
The short of it: I liked it. The long of it: there are many reasons why I can see it is a difficult movie to sell. As most films go, this one is a technological marvel. Filmed entirely on bluescreen, save for a few random props, the entirety of the backgrounds and effects are computer-generated. An awesome spectacle, the film presents itself as a work of nostalgia, but it no doubt can be the future of filmmaking.
Plotwise, the movie itself is relatively simple. The world's capitals of industry are under attack by enormous robotic monstrosities and the only person who can save them the heroic Sky Captain and his "Army for Hire." Jude Law, the man of many movies, plays the title character in a subdued, but strong enough turn. Not quite striking, but enough to own the character, he has yet to find a movie in which his star quality shines through. His counterpart in the action, Gwyneth Paltrow, co-stars as the hard-nosed reporter, Polly Perkins. She brings the appropriate amount of moxy to a role no doubt cast in the Lois Lane mold. Good performances by those two all-around, and the supporting cast isn't so bad either. Not to mention the post-mortem performance by one Sir Laurence Olivier.
How did I feel about the film? I really enjoyed the tone, the look, the content, the whole idea of the movie was great. Well-executed, well-acted, and well-shot I loved the way it played out. There were minor problems, plot-wise, but there will always be areas where belief must be suspended and one must immerse themselves in unreality. For this reason, I find it hard to believe that it will be a huge success. Most people may cast it off in a cynical gesture of disbelief. Others may decry the seemingly cheesy lines and simplistic look of the technology. I consider this to be due to the source of inspiration. Pulp novels and '20's style comic books are outdated, the characters are quite 2-dimensional, and the overall idea is passe. Our culture has been so dumbfounded by visions of the future that we may have forgotten how to even imagine a new past. Really, it's a shame, because I think this film was meant to be enjoyed as pure popcorn fodder.
Most definitely, I would recommend this movie as a matinee for those who doubt. It's a great indicator of what is possible technologically, but also a great deal of fun. If you're willing to just sit down, and enjoy yourself at face value, do so, and you won't be disappointed.
Final Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
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