Tomorrowland

Ranks this high because I apparently really like Bird's style and generally prefer an optimistic message. I see reviews finding fault with the movie being juvenile or naively optimistic. There also seems a high correlation between how the obvious message of the movie is received ( the optimistic or pessimistic view of humanity's prospects) and rating.

If you think the world can use more, possibly naive, optimism, or you think you can avoid the movie's obvious (overly? ) view of how humanity must face its challenges from souring you on it, there are plenty of great effects, fun ideas and fun in general to have a good time.

It was as easy for me this time as with John Carter, another film directed by a director who's roots are in animation (Andrew Stanton) Like Stanton, director Brad Bird has transitioned to non animated features after bringing us The Iron Giant, Ratatouille, and The Incredibles, and also coincidentally, disappointed at the box office for Disney, unfairly in my humble opinion.

Perhaps as my friend opined, something about their style lends their talents moreso to animation than movies with human actors. I personally was able to accept the certain sense of animation to how the characters interact with their environment just as I did with The Terminator movies and countless others, but maybe many would disagree in the case of Bird... or Stanton.

I'm surprised by the harsh judgement overall as I really did enjoy the movie in the hopeful spirit I believe Disney intended. There's more than enough harsh reality or propaganda on the 6 and 11 o'clock news. I tend to like my movies fun or funny more often than not. So that's the place this review comes from.