...but this revamped effort from "Disney 4.0" proves that a good time-travel adventure need not induce dementia! Lewis (Daniel Hansen/Jordan Fry) is a brilliant mind in a young orphan's body. The only thing he wants to do, more than invent, is have a family all his own. He can't seem to get either one right, much to the chagrin of his roommate, Michael "Goob" Yagoobian (Matthew Josten) who just wants his baseball team to win a game, and orphanage mistress Mildred (Angela Bassett), one of the few adults who appreciates Lewis' potential. At a science fair, he crosses paths with the hyper-kinetic Wilbur Robinson (Wesley Singerman), who warns him to look out for a "Bowler Hat Guy" (Stephen J. Anderson) and stresses that it's important for him to complete his project and win the fair. When things go awry, Lewis is ready to give up hope on his dreams and himself, only to have Wilbur reappear, promising to show him the future. He proceeds to whisk Lewis away for a glimpse of things to come--and some enlightenment on their true bond and what it means to "keep moving forward".
This is not a new message, certainly not in animation, but it's certainly told in a fresh way. Quite a lot is borrowed in this film, but it's the execution and the way it's put together that really puts things over. One complaint that may exist, if any, is that there are too many characters, but it's easily overlooked when you realize that they're ALL interesting, and each one could have their own movie. I was particularly taken with little Goob almost as soon as I saw him, laughing at almost every one of his lines. That brings me to another virtue of the film--usually in time travel films, there are mind-bending concepts presented in quick-fire fashion (see my title), but not here. The truly kid-friendly folks at Disney's revamped animation wing have managed to put together a plot that doesn't tip the cards too early (even though you may make a few early connections), saving the surprises for the last half, where they belong. A sort of "Back to the Future" in reverse(Wrap your head around that one)? With paradox and mottoes akin to "The Terminator"? Sold. This is one family I'm sure you won't mind visiting, even though truly meeting them will take some...time.
NOTE--It is DEFINITELY worth your trouble to schedule yourself for a 3-D showing--the digital-based effect must be seen to be believed; it even looks good on the classic 'toon that precedes the film. Oh, and hang on to those shades--chances are we'll be using them again!
This is not a new message, certainly not in animation, but it's certainly told in a fresh way. Quite a lot is borrowed in this film, but it's the execution and the way it's put together that really puts things over. One complaint that may exist, if any, is that there are too many characters, but it's easily overlooked when you realize that they're ALL interesting, and each one could have their own movie. I was particularly taken with little Goob almost as soon as I saw him, laughing at almost every one of his lines. That brings me to another virtue of the film--usually in time travel films, there are mind-bending concepts presented in quick-fire fashion (see my title), but not here. The truly kid-friendly folks at Disney's revamped animation wing have managed to put together a plot that doesn't tip the cards too early (even though you may make a few early connections), saving the surprises for the last half, where they belong. A sort of "Back to the Future" in reverse(Wrap your head around that one)? With paradox and mottoes akin to "The Terminator"? Sold. This is one family I'm sure you won't mind visiting, even though truly meeting them will take some...time.
NOTE--It is DEFINITELY worth your trouble to schedule yourself for a 3-D showing--the digital-based effect must be seen to be believed; it even looks good on the classic 'toon that precedes the film. Oh, and hang on to those shades--chances are we'll be using them again!