Film Review: Disney's Tomorrowland Hits the Heart

If there's anything that I took from Walt Disney Studio's Tomorrowland film, aside from the idea that believing, dreaming and taking action to DO SOMETHING is important, it's that as dreamers we need to stick together. Dreaming and goal-setting at times can be lonely you don't find likeminded people to share in your vision. I can only go on personal experience, but more often than not, I tend to "rally the troops" and get everyone excited about a dream or goal. It's fun! It's also can get exhausting. However, I cannot see it any other way; I love encouraging and inspiring others. I'm so grateful to have a few dreamers in my life, and a very supportive realist in my husband, haha. He keeps me grounded enough, but doesn't ever dare clip my fairy wings. :)

Being a dreamer and visionary myself, I tend to gravitate towards like-minded people. I want to see the good, I want to solve the problems. The idea that magic is around every corner, dreams are waiting to come true, and hard work and dedication towards a dream & goal will pay off in the end is what I live by... it's what I hope to inspire others to do, too. 

The film was wonderfully done. A person that isn't a huge Disney fan (heaven help you) would still love it and relate. In fact, the film isn't about even about Tomorrowland in Disneyland Resort, even though there are some visual references to that magical place that made me smile. You do see the 1964 World's Fair and we do get to "ride" on my favorite attraction, "it's a small world." 

I'll also tell you now – I LOVED the film. The entire cast was amazing, but I really loved the character Casey (played by Britt Robertson). Her spunky outlook on life, vibrant spirit, always looking at the glass being full, and never wanting to give in to the idea of impossible, is so inspiring. We need more people in the world like Casey, Athena (Raffey Cassidy), and Frank (George Clooney). While Frank started out with a similar positive outlook on life, eventually his ideas and heart were worn down to give up. He was hurt and his guard went up. The fact that he is introduced to Casey through Athena, and there is a flicker of possibility and hope again, reminds him of "what could be" and that things don't have to remain the same –especially if we believe we can change them. 

So, what is Tomorrowland?

Well, in the film, it's a magical place. A secret society of sorts; a place where scientists and artists came together to create a better world. 

Image courtesy © Walt Disney Pictures

How do you get there?

It's complicated, but having that special pin helps, in the beginning. The idea that a place where innovation, creativity, and imagination collide, makes pretty much anything possible. 

What is Tomorrowland in real life?

Aside from being a magical land at Disneyland Resort, It's basically a state of mind. It's a place where there is always forward thinking, progression, and never settling. We should be working towards a better tomorrow. How will we shape the future, today?

Anything is Possible

In the film, I laughed, I cried, I was amazed and left wishing that this place was real. To be surrounded by genius and possibility, well the idea is thrilling. Brad Bird and David Lindelof created a world that we secretly (or not so secretly) hope exists. I am still at a loss on how to fully describe the film with words because I felt SO MUCH. I'll be honest, the movie was deep and it might not hit the same chords if you are not a dreamer. But I hope it inspires you to look at being the change around you and maybe some inspiration will rub off on you!

I appreciated the storyline and that at some point, even with all the positivity and inspiration that Casey gave to everyone around her, including herself, there was a scene that she begins to doubt – even if just for a little bit. Why? Because it's normal. And the beautiful thing is when an optimist has even a sliver of a doubt, it tends to bring out the optomisim in another person to help pick the up and remind them of the possibilities that lie ahead. That's why it's so important to surround yourself with positive people. It helps you to help others when they need it most. You never know who needs a good word or deed.