Entertainment

Film Review: ‘Tomorrowland’

Published

11 years ago

May 22, 2015

Oakland Post

Britt Robertson co-stars in the fantasy adventure Tomorrowland. (BG)

By Dwight Brown
NNPA Film Critic

If you took the world of The Jetsons, and made it a live-action film location, that would describe the visuals for the mysterious, glorious and fantastical place Tomorrowland. Seeing it is easy. Getting there is difficult. All the work it takes to travel to this paradise may not be worth the effort for this film’s target audience, young girls. Blame the meandering script, the lax pacing and some cheesy sets for making a trip to Shangri-La an iffy adventure.

Director Bard Bird (The Iron Giant and Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol) co-wrote the script with Damon Lindelof (World War Z) and Jeff Jensen. Can’t knock Bird and Lindelof’s writing pedigree, on the one hand. On the other hand, with that much firepower, they should be able to write a script that is worth following, one that unfolds mysteriously but engagingly and is easy enough to comprehend. A film that panders to young female audiences shouldn’t have a complicated screenplay. If adults lose interest discerning what’s going on, kids will be scratching their heads, text messaging or falling asleep.

It’s 1964, the height of the New York World’s Fair. A precocious kid named Frank Walker (Thomas Robinson, who looks like a young Jay Leno) has come all the way to the Big Apple to show off his invention, a jet pack that can make him fly—theoretically. He presents it to a huffy judge named Nix (Hugh Laurie), who scoffs at the machine made with two vacuum cleaner tanks. Nix’s young assistant Athena (Raffey Cassidy, Snow White and the Huntsman) takes a liking to Frank, gives him a lapel pin with a “T,” and suggests he follow her, Nix and his crew. Frank does, and winds up in a futuristic citadel.

Fast forward to present day. Casey Newton (Britt Robertson, The Longest Ride), a feisty adolescent, her dad (Tim McGraw) and younger brother live in Cape Canaveral, Fla., so close to NASA she can smell the jet fuel. She gets arrested, and when she is released, she is given back her personal belongings. In her stuff is a mysterious lapel pin with a “T.” Whenever she touches the trinket, inexplicably, she is taken away to fields of wheat, with a mystical city floating in the distance. “I think I’ve seen the future,” says Casey. As she tries to unravel the mystery of the pin she meets Athena. The two, and a much older Frank (George Clooney) who is now an eccentric, reclusive inventor, are on a mission to get back to Tomorrowland.

The inspiration for the film comes from Disneyland’s Tomorrowland and Epcot Center. That very inorganic premise is possibly why the script feels so contrived. The Casey character is decently drawn, should intrigue girls and Newton makes her very appealing. The older Frank character, as played by Clooney, is so crabby you want to force-feed him Prozac. Ditto Laurie as the bitter Nix. As the story goes on, and on, and on, it becomes apparent that Wonderland needs to be saved for a bunch of reasons. None are that clear, nor will they be of great concern to many.

Scott Chambliss’ (Star Trek Into Darkness) production designs for the magical city are ingeniously beautiful. At other times his sets look obviously fake (interior of the inter-dimensional space ship) to the point of distraction. Cinematographer Claudio Miranda’s (Life of Pi) visions of the city will stay in your psyche. His shots of regular scenes are dated and reminiscent of Back to the Future. Jeff Kurland’s costumes on the normal people blend in well, but his space age fashions for Nix look like rejects from an Earth Wind & Fire tour. There are periods when Casey, Frank and Athena are on the run and the pace kicks in. But over the course of 130 minutes, editors Walter Murch and Craig Wood have not done their due diligence. There are times when you will tap your foot and wonder if there is any popcorn left at the concession stand.

The point of Tomorrowland is to encourage youngsters to think out of the box, stay positive and never give up. It’s a sweet and inspirational message buried in a mire of cryptic plotting. Still, young girls may get a kick watching Casey solve problems adults can’t.

Visit NNPA Film Critic Dwight Brown at DwightBrownInk.com.

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Alameda County

The Marin City Flea Market Is Back

The Marin City Flea Market returns on May 23, offering arts, crafts, vintage items, and collectibles. The market aims to uplift local vendors and celebrate cultural diversity.

Published

4 days ago

May 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Customers shopping in Marin City Flea Market. Photo courtesy of marincityflea.org.

By Godfrey Lee

After a long absence, Marin City will once again hold its flea market. The market will have its grand opening on Saturday, May 23, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church parking lot on 101 Donahue St. It will be held every fourth Saturday of the month

The market will be free to the public

There will be arts, crafts, vintage, collectibles, and other items on sale at the market. Interested vendors can contact info@marincityflea.org or text (415) 484-2984 for more information.

“The Marin City Flea Market’s mission is to uplift local vendors, celebrate cultural diversity, and provide an accessible community space where creativity, entrepreneurship, and connection can thrive,” says their website, marincityflea.org.

The flea market is sponsored and run by the Rotary Club of Marin City.

For more information, contact info@marincityflea.org. Or text to (415) 484-2984

Oakland Post

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Alameda County

Mayor Barbara Lee Declares ‘Delroy Lindo Day,’ Presents Acclaimed Actor with Key to the City

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee honored acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo with the Key to the City and declared “Delroy Lindo Day” to celebrate his contributions to film, television, and theater.

Published

4 days ago

May 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee presents Oakland actor Delroy Lindo the key to the cCity Council chambers of Oakland City Hall in downtown Oakland. Photo by Carla Thomas.

By Carla Thomas

Oakland honored one of its most distinguished residents on May 6 as Mayor Barbara Lee presented acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo with the Key to the City and an official proclamation declaring “Delroy Lindo Day.”

The event, titled “Rooted in Legacy: Honoring Delroy Lindo,” took place at Oakland City Hall and brought together community leaders, artists, and young people for an evening centered on storytelling, cultural pride, and intergenerational connection.

Lindo, a critically acclaimed artist who lives in Oakland, was recognized for his extensive contributions to film, television, and theater, as well as his impact on the global African diaspora. Most recently the Oscar-nominated artist was recognized for his phenomenal role as a bluesman in Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” a winner both critically and at the box office.

His celebrated body of work included roles in “Unprisoned,” “Malcolm X”, “Clockers,” “Get Shorty,” and ”Da 5 Bloods,” among others.

“He’s brought depth, inspiration, and authenticity to the screen,” said Lee.

The program highlighted both Lindo’s artistic legacy and his influence as a mentor. A centerpiece of the evening was an intimate fireside conversation between MLee and Lindo.

“I am a living, breathing example of somebody who has achieved the American Dream,” said Lindo. “The other side of that is I walk through the world as a Black man of African descent.”

At 5 years of age, Lindo played King Balthazar in a Nativity play. And years later on Easter of 1973 in New York the Negro Ensemble Company’s play, “The River Niger” left a great impact on him.

“Seeing that production and so many Blacks in the audience, gave me an understanding that maybe I could have a career as an actor,” said Lindo.

Students from the Oakland School for the Arts delivered powerful monologues, adding a dynamic and emotional layer to the program. The students’ instructor, Tavia Percia, chairman of the school’s theatre department, watched the performance proudly. Their performances emphasized the importance of arts education and demonstrated the next generation of talent inspired by figures like Lindo.

Five young men from All Tied Up Academy had the honor of presenting the “Rooted in Legacy” plaque to Lindo with Lee.

The evening also featured a cinematic showcase of Lindo’s work, offering a retrospective glimpse into his decades-long career.

The Golden State Warriors presented Lindo with a custom jersey, symbolizing the city’s appreciation for his contributions both on and off the screen.

The highlight of the evening came as Lee formally presented Lindo with the Key to the City and read the proclamation establishing “Delroy Lindo Day.” The recognition marked not only his artistic achievements but also his enduring connection to Oakland and his commitment to community engagement.

Celebrities, including filmmaker Ryan Coogler, congratulated Lindo via a video presentation. Lindo did not hold back the tears of gratitude. “I carry Oakland with me wherever I go,” said. Lindo, who is Jamaican via the UK, said he chose the Bay Area to call home with his wife and raise his son.

When young men who grew up with his son entered the council chambers, Lindo welcomed them to the stage for a hug and acknowledgement. “These young men are all honorable. I’ve watched them grow up, and they are the future,” he said. “These are three people that give me hope for this country.”

Addressing the audience, Lindo said, “You are part of the infrastructure of my life. My life would not be as it is without you. You give me more than I give you. Wherever I go, I bring Oakland with me.”

advised everyone to push past negativity of the world.

“Hold onto your dreams, particularly now in this country being fed the constant narrative that ‘we are less than,’ because we know we are more than. And kudos to Mayor Lee at the forefront for decades repping us for Oakland and America.”

“Everyone, hold fast to your purpose and charge as a human being and to the young; go for yours!”

Lindo thanked his many fans, friends, and family in the audience. Attendees included broadcaster Dave Clark, attorney John Burris, former Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Dr. Albert Brooks who delivered his son, and First African Methodist Episcopal Church Rev. Rodney Smith. Screenwriter David Webb Peoples, who gave him his first film role in Australia, “The Blood of Heroes, was also in attendance.