LOST IN SPACE 1998
A film review by Timothy Voon
Copyright 1998 Timothy Voon
3 :-) :-) :-) for the Robinson Family
Cast: Gary Oldman, William Hurt, Mimi Rogers, Matt LeBlanc, Heather Graham, Lacey Chabert, Jack Johnson, Jared Harris Director: Stephen Hopkins Producers: Mark W. Koch, Stephen Hopkins, Akiva Goldsman, Carla Fry Screenplay: Akiva Goldsman
LOST IN SPACE is as convolutedly, complex as an episode of Star Trek in its time dimensional best. Action packed enough to keep hormonally charged pubescents happy and worthwhile enough, for parents to get rid of the kids for an Easter afternoon break. I'm sitting here, still trying to work out the in and outs of who went where and when, looking for who and found what, only to prevent something from happening, so that they could travel through the centre of a planet to escape it's gravitational collapse (theoretically not sound). If you're lost in time and space, so am I, which is why this movie is so aptly titled LOST IN SPACE.
Imagine giant metallic spiders, battling powerful pet robots controlled by a highly intelligent, lonely child. Included are evil doctor saboteurs, a Captain America unlucky in love, computer generalised monkeys with a great set of lips; a mother in charge, a father neglecting his children, the family pride, the family misfit - say hello to the Robinson Family. This story is immersed in state of the art special effects, fanciful explosions with loud metallic noises interspersed in between moments of quiet reflection, before another bout of noise and explosions, screams, numerous amusing one liners and finally a way home.
This adaptation of the popular 60's sci-fi series is light years ahead of its predecessor. Gone are the once daggy costumes, the Ed Wood sets and the corny, soppy dialogue which suited its time. Put your seat belts on because the 90's version of LOST IN SPACE doesn't give you much time to contemplate a toilet break. Memorable scenes include still frames of the family Robinson frozen in mid air whilst gate travelling, Will Robinson jumping into a pit slow motion and numerous scenes of John West humiliating himself trying to impress Penny Robinson.
The cast is well chosen. William Hurt is in fine form as the father, John Robinson. Mimi Rogers is ideal as the down to earth, speak-your-mind mother, who doesn't take crap from anyone. The evil, troublesome, meddling, snivelling Dr Smith is portrayed by Gary Oldman, who has a knack for playing villainous roles. Then there is Matt LeBlanc of friends, who shamelessly humiliates himself with some of the worst pick up lines a guy can think off. But I believe the story belongs to Will Robinson (Jack Johnson), the genius kid with a heart of gold.
Good family entertainment for all members of the family.
Timothy Voon e-mail: stirling@netlink.com.au Movie Archives http://us.imdb.com/M/reviews_by?Tim+Voon Hugues Bouclier's Movies in Melbourne http://www.labyrinth.net.au/~bouclier/week/movies.html
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