‘Gulliver’s Travels’ Rates High for Laughs
When Jonathan Swift wrote Gulliver’s Travels in 1726, he wanted people to laugh. But not so much at the escapades in the book as at the real-life escapades the book satirized. Rob Letterman, who directed 20th Century Fox’s film version (in theaters now), just wants people to laugh.
KIDS FIRST! film critic Sam Connan thinks he succeeded. The 13-year-old from Santa Fe, N.M., shares his review of the film. (Also on video.)
‘Gulliver’s Travels’
Reviewed by Sam Connan
I just finished watching Gulliver’s Travels. I thought it was a really fun movie. I know it’s definitely not in keeping with the real storyline of the book, but it’s still a lot of fun.
There are some parts where it’s really funny and some parts where it’s, well, a little bit crude – so I wouldn’t recommend it for all age groups. But depending on what you want your kids to see or what you’re OK with them seeing.
I think Jack Black has this real exuberance to him. He’s the life of the party. And he turns Lilliput, the island with really small people, into a complete circus. And he’s the ring leader.
I think the special effects were really great, because it really looked like he was huge on Lilliput and tiny on the island Where We Dare Not Go, which is the place with the really big people.
I would rate this a 7 out of 10 stars because it was very funny, but I don’t think it’ll ever get nominated for an Oscar, to be honest. But my family and I really liked it – we were just sitting and laughing and laughing and laughing. And I think your family will enjoy it, too.
Jack Black takes on the title role in the film, with Jason Segel and Emily Blunt as co-stars in a seasoned cast that also includes Amanda Peet and Billy Connolly.
