Released Date: 14 October 2004

Synopsis:

In Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Polly Perkins (Gwyneth Paltrow) and Sky Captain (Jude Law) investigate the disappearance of famous scientists and find that Dr. Totenkopf, an evil mastermind, is plotting to destroy the Earth. The duo teams with Dex (Giovanni Ribisi) and Franky Cook (Angelina Jolie) to stop him.

Review:

If this movie is not handle with care, it might be easily ended up as one of the lamiest, effects filled Sci-fi movie in recent motion picture history. Fortunately, the captivating vision of the world of tomorrow is beautifully rendered on screen, pixel by pixel. Consider the actors has basically nothing to work with, not even basic sets or props with the exception of vast blue-screen canvas. Enhanced in almost greyish tones, this movie looks like it was shot in the 1930's but transported back to the present day, 2004 for theatrical release.

Director Kerry Conran spent at least 4 years all alone in his California apartment creating this virtual world on his Mac before he attracts the attention of Producer Jon Avnet. Conran's influence consists of pulp fiction materials and classic adventure, science-fiction movies. The opening sequence of a blimp anchoring on top of the Empire State Building is inspired by "King Kong". You can even spot traces of "Star Wars", "Lord of the Rings" scattered all around in "Sky Captain".

Jude Law is undeniable the new leading man of the era. A simple wink and twitch can send millions of ladies to the ground. As the charming, heroic "Sky Captain" flying a Warhawk plane that can transformed effortlessly into a submarine, Law is at the top of his game. Gwyneth Paltrow struggles to blend in with the blue-screen, playing the ex-girlfriend of "Sky Captain". More towards comic relief than characteristic. Faring better is Angelina Jolie's Commander Frankie Cook, a brief 15 minutes appearance but managed a lasting impression than other characters Jolie has played in the past years. Bai Ling is once again offered a thankless role. (I do not wish to elaborate much, revealing further will spoil your viewing pleasure). Giovanni Ribisi (the medic in "Saving Private Ryan") plays technical/weapon specialist Dex. A role which viewers hoped to see more if there's a sequel.

"Sky Captain & The World of Tomorrow" is a triumph in visual effects and the characters are colourful enough to fill the pages. We wanted to see more of Sky Captain, Frankie Cook and Dex's exploits. Never mind the plot is wafer-thin and a rather unsatisfying explanation towards the evil coup in the end. Woman will swoon over Jude Law. Men will be amazed by the display of awe-aspiring gadgets and machines. Have fun!

Movie Rating: B