Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow

Unique Style, Questionable Plot

The 2004 movie, "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow", directed and written by Kerry Conran, includes the stellar cast of Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Michael Gambon and even the late Sir Laurence Olivier. However, the movie, along with its exceptional cast and unique look, still falls victim to a questionable plot and mediocre acting.

It's the late 1930s and someone has been kidnapping some of the most brilliant scientists of the day. While newspaper reporter Polly Perkins (Paltrow) is tracking down leads to the disappearances, New York is attacked by a group of giant robots bent on stealing power supplies. Enter Joe Sullivan a.k.a. the Sky Captain (Law) who is the leader of a squadron of flying aces based in a secretive location and Polly's former love interest.

When the base is destroyed and Joe's friend and technical wiz, Dex Dearborn (Giovanni Ribisi), is kidnapped, it's up to the Sky Captain and Polly to find out how the disappearance of the scientists connects to the robot attack, who's behind the chaos and what their plans are. Clues soon lead the pair to Dr. Totenkopf (Olivier). With the help of Captain Franky Cook (Jolie) and her amphibious squadron, they are able to infiltrate Totenkopf's lair and discover his dastardly plans. From there, it's up to the Sky Captain to not only save the scientists but keep the entire world from being annihilated.

There are several good things about "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow". With the increasing advances in technology, the movie is unique in the fact that the entire film was created by using strategically placed props with a green screen backdrop. Except for the actors, most of the scenes in the movie were created by computers which gave the film a different look not seen in other features.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law are considered the two main characters of the film. However, it's Giovanni Ribisi's performance as Dex Dearborn that really steals the movie and offers some comedic relief.

Despite some good points, there are some negative aspects to the film. Although their performances were fine, the fact that Paltrow's and Law's characters were formerly and potentially romantically involved didn't come across as such. Unfortunately the use of Michael Gambon as Polly's editor and Angelina Jolie was to move the plot quickly from one place to another. When using this talented actor and actress, it would seem that their characters could have been built up a little more.

The movie's ending was also anticlimactic. It's easy to see how some people could walk away feeling completely confused. At some parts towards the end, such as the battle inside the ship, it even seems a bit rushed.

Because of computer effects, the use of actors posthumously is on the rise. Such is the case with Sir Laurence Olivier who was seen in a few scenes in "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow". The actor passed in 1989. But because of CGI and old video footage of the actor, he was still credited as playing Totenkopf. The popularity of this new trend will depend on the individual moviegoer's tastes.

"Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow" is not the best film but it isn't the worst film to come out of Hollywood. It's just simple entertainment. Although it is lacking in some parts, the movie provides a unique style of film making.

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This movie is available for purchase at Amazon.com and Half.com.