Gulliver's Travels Movie Review
Pinoy Movie Blogger Reviews
The film does not claim that it is a movie that directly adapts the Jonathan Swift's classic Gulliver's Travels, so expect the unexpected as this modern adaptation deviates from its origin and transforms into something bite size comedic film that you either hate or love. Throw Jack Black into the picture and what you will be getting is just that. Though it would be very informative and entertaining to watch a film adaptation that is very close to its classic novel roots, you won't have that opportunity in this movie. A more family friendly comedy adventure featuring Jack Black's brand of humor as you've always seen him in films like in 2003's School of Rock and the 2009 video game Brutal Legends.
Though I may favor the films humor most of the times which can range from okay to outrageous, it can't hide the fact that there are missed opportunities for the film to effectively use the original novel's chapter to further develop its characters and progress its story. One good example is the scene in the Island of the Giants (Brobdingnag) which is shrunk down to mere scenes of awkwardness with a few chuckles on the side but no further exploration whatsoever. The scenes in Brobdingnag can just take place anywhere and the effect would still be the same. Lemuel Gulliver's character development may feel a bit rush but how long should the transition from being a self-serving loser and lier into a noble hero take anyways? I just wished it was given more emphasis together in Brobdingnag.
Gulliver's Travels' visual graphics are okay. With some nice looking CGI effects (e.g. robot controlled by the main antagonist) with some minor flaws in chroma keying, but doesn't take away too much. The film is also nice to watch in 3-D though I don't the same entertainment value in watching it in ordinary theaters. The film has nice sound and musical scoring which features some retro and rock music.
PMB Recommendation
The Verdict
Not being overly exposed to too much on brand of American comedy has its perks, because I can't help but laugh out loud Gulliver's Travels humor and awkwardness; that or maybe I just like Jack Black's brand of humor. If you are looking for a funny film this weekend and like a Jack Black film, you might want to try Gulliver's Travel's with friends or together with the entire family. There is also a bonus Ice Age short which you will surely love, "Scrat's Continental Crack-up".
This is why Pinoy Movie Blogger gives Gulliver's Travels a three out of five video game guitars.
