Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow-Let's See It In 3D!
Sky Captain retells the past and remakes the future. Few recent films have so clearly stood up and pointed to the direction of cinema more than Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. Sky Captain has a look that you simply will not find elsewhere. Period. I don't care if you are a movie addict or not, I don't care if you like science-fiction or not, this is a must see. I will tell you why. Sky Captain was shot exclusively using high-definition cameras on bluescreen but this only outlines one part of what makes this such a unique work. Everything about the look of the film is highly unique, the CG has been manipulated to give each “frame” a nearly antiquated look. This, when combined with the startling clarity of high-definition, leaves the viewer feeling as if he or she is looking into an impossible world. Viewed in high-definition Sky Captain borders on brain-melting. Right now there is a real move to take many big budget visual effects laden films like Star Wars and re-release them in 3D. There can be little doubt that if this was to happen with Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow that the film may very well find a much wider audience than upon its initial release.
The universe of Sky Captain is an alternative universe, where most of reality is similar, but enough has been altered to give the Sky Captain Universe a highly different “feel” to accompany its wildly different look. There is a synergy between the two that only the grandest of sci-fi epics manage to achieve. I think the best way to sum up what the Sky Captain Universe is like is to point to the opening scene where the Hindenburg III docks at the top of the Empire State building. Yet, in a completely unexpected move, we have airborne aircraft carries and other technology such as laser weapons that we are only now beginning to touch upon. How is that for unusual?
The core of the story, set in an alternative 1939, revolves around the exploits of reporter Polly Perkins, played very well by Gweneth Paltrow, as she tries to discover who is behind the disappearance of the world's greatest scientific minds. She soon meets up with Joe Sullivan AKA Sky Captain, played with great flare by Jude Law. The two have a history together and an abundance of verbal sparing takes place between the two. Together they set out to get to the bottom of the mystery which leads them to some truly incredible locations and stunning virtual sets. It should be obvious that the film is very much a tribute the films of the 30's and 40's in a variety of ways. References that movie fans will appreciate abound and there is a great variety of rich material to appreciate upon a second view.
Writer/director Kerry Conrad, who makes his directorial debut with Sky Captain, took years working on the short that would ultimately secure the funding necessary to make Sky Captain a reality. Conrad should be commended not only for his persistence but for his hardcore attempt to make a new and original film in a time where this is becoming increasingly uncommon. The acting performances by Paltrow, Law, Ribisi and Angelia Jolie are top notch, especially when considering that they spend all of their time acting in front of bluescreen. Special nods have to go to Eric Adkins the director of photography, who must have had his hands full, and Ed Shermur whose scored added a great deal of depth to the film. This was one of those projects that took an enormous amount of time and effort by a whole lot of CG wizards to make it all happen and they should not go unsung.
In short, check this one out, especially if you can see it in high-definition. Its a fun ride with a freaking brilliantly wacky look. I would compare it to something you may have already seen, but I can't. Keep you're fingers crossed for a 3D re-release. If that happens I will keep you posted, for now catch this one.
Story A
Acting A
Visuals A+ (If you spent way to much cash on your hd set up and people thought you were nuts, now its time to invite them over.)
Originality/Innovation A
Enjoyability Grade A
Home Theater/HD Factor A+ (Did I mention now is the time to invite your friends over if you have a high-definition set or projector? Buy this one as soon as it is available on next-generation DVD.)
Overall Grade A (Sky Captain will definitely find a following in the coming years.)
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