A lot of times when I want to escape into a movie, I want plenty of things that help the movie completely separate itself from reality. It can have a distinct look, a different era, anything that comes together and creates a whole other world through any means is good in my book.
Other elements that add to the escapism for me are plenty of imaginative choices (be it in the production design or concepts), and an overall sense of fun and wonder. For many, all these elements come perfectly together in sci-fi and fantasy films, most notably Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings series.
Personally, I like to go to a different movie when I’m in this mood. One that combines everything I like about adventure and retro science fiction into a very cool blend that makes for quick entertainment. That movie is Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow.
The movie focuses on a pilot named Joseph “Sky Captain” Sullivan (played by Jude Law) who leads his legion of combat pilots. After mysterious robots attack a city, he’s called in to fight them off and they begin to learn about the robots. They try to pinpoint their location, but things don’t go well as scientists start to disappear and more attacks ensue. With the help of his ex-lover (played by Gwyneth Paltrow) who also happens to be a reporter, they must piece together clues and travel across various locations to put an end to the attacks and save the world.
The film is directed by Kerry Conran, and it’s the only film he’s ever done. Which is unfortunate, as he’s clearly talented. He originally created Sky Captain in 1994 as a six-minute short/teaser in his apartment over the course of four years, using a blue screen, and outdated software on an old Macintosh IIc. His idea of making a film entirely with a blue screen and digital backgrounds was very new at the time. Once he was able to do the full film, other filmmakers started to follow this approach, mostly notably with works such as Sin City and 300.
It’s worth noting, however, that this isn’t the first film to be made in this fashion, as a lesser-known movie called Able Edwards actually holds the Guinness World Record for being the first film to be made entirely against a green-screen without sets.
Cool production stories aside, Sky Captain isn’t considered that well-written to many. Some feel that there are script problems and that the characterization could’ve used a bit more work. I can see what they’re getting at, and a little more work on the script wouldn’t have hurt. This is definitely one of those cases of style over substance.
Personally, I think it’s okay for a movie to have fun with what it is on the surface, so this is a perfect popcorn movie in that regard. It’s a visual experience that’s fun to watch for quick escapism. The film has a unique look that recreates the art style of the old pulp magazine covers, which adds another nice touch. Even the non-actiony scenes look amazing. Anyone who loves drawing is sure to find plenty of inspiration.
The whole movie is beautiful to look at, but with that said, it is a case of style over substance. Some of the dialogue and writing is very reminiscent of the old serials, which is an advantage for those who like it, but can be a disadvantage for those not fond of it.
Ultimately, it’s what you make of it. I enjoy that it captures that feeling of the old serials. The writing is good enough without being dull and, in my opinion, the adventure itself moves along nicely, allowing one to really take in everything. It’s a cool approach I’d love to see more of in the future, especially if they bring back something like The Rocketeer. The score is amazing too, easily one of the selling points of the movie.
Even though this is a very fun film, Sky Captain wasn’t that successful in the theatres. However, It proved to be a hit among sci-fi fans and critics, most notably Roger Ebert, who heavily supported the film and compared his experience of watching it to his first viewing of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Even IGN gave this a very positive review.
In the end, it’s the average moviegoer who’ll be the judge. Anyone who loves things like Flash Gordon, Star Wars, and anything else in that 30’s style will find a lot to enjoy. I highly encourage you to check this out and share it with your friends.
So until next time, always remember that when the going gets tough, you can grab a meat tenderizer and whack the living crap out of it. See ya next week everybody! o/
Kasey Lewis - Actor, Writer, Creator 
A film that looks like it was torn directly from a pulp magazine. Very inventive film, was hoping it’d receive more attention when it was first released.