 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Lost in Space
- Review Date: October 2, 2005
- PG-13
- Genre: Science Fiction
- 1998
Common Sense Media says
Strictly for fans of the TV show or sci-fi buffs.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that kids will see spaceships blown up and alien spiders blasted with ray guns. Dr. Smith, who has been turned into a human/spider creature, is attacked by his own offspring. There is also moderate profanity, and sexual innuendo between two characters. Will Robinson, whose ingenuity in problem solving and extensive science knowledge frequently gets the family out of danger, may inspire an interest in computers and robotics.
What's the story?
Danger, Will Robinson! The United Global Space Force is sending Professor John Robinson (William Hurt) and his family into space to colonize a distant planet. Professor Robinson is so wrapped up in the mission he never spends time with his children, much to the frustration of his son Will, a budding young science genius. When terrorist Dr. Zachary Smith (Gary Oldman) sabotages the mission, the Jupiter 2 is sent into an unknown corner of the universe. After encountering a spaceship filled with giant carnivorous spiders, they crash land on a planet where time is distorted. The distortion is caused by a time machine invented by an embittered adult Will Robinson who, in this reality, is the lone survivor of the family's mission. Dr. Smith, who has mutated into a spider creature, plans to use the machine to launch an attack on the Earth.
Is it any good?
The special effects are impressive and exciting, but can't make up for an unfocused story and characters who fail to involve the viewer. With an all-star cast, hostile alien spiders, self-destructing planets, and state-of-the-art special effects, this big-budget remake of the goofy 1960s TV series should have been great fun. Unfortunately the movie's grim mood squashes the humor and adventure. Nearly every aspect of LOST IN SPACE, from Penny's outrage over being forced to leave the Earth, to barren planets and abandoned spaceships, emphasizes this harsh approach. The dark tone culminates with the confrontation with the older Will. Without the rollicking excitement of many space epics like Star Wars, these dark themes of loneliness, death, and abandonment may leave viewers feeling more depressed than uplifted
There are, however, some bright spots amidst the misery. Gary Oldman gives a delightfully smarmy performance as Dr. Smith, and it's fun to hear Dick Tufeld (the voice of the robot in the original series) once again exclaim "Danger, Will Robinson!" Nevertheless, the film will probably only be of interest to sci-fi buffs.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about movie remakes and nostalagia. Why make a movie that essentially reproduces a TV show most popular when many of today's parents were kids? Do you think it's harder or easier than creating new characters, new themes, new stories? Is there an element of safety in remaking a once-popular movie or TV series?
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AGE
Despite the look of the movie, it's not for young kids.
If the movie were rated only for the violent scenes, it probably would have been a PG. With the exception of a yucky-looking wound caused by alien spiders, the violence was pretty tame. But the language and innuendo were too strong for what should have been a family film.
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AGE
I am a big fan of the TV show. Though it was extremely corny, it was still a great show. But from the look of the movie case it looks like they turned smething great into shlock. I doubt I'll ever watch it. You are better off with the show. No edgy stuff, just sci-fi fun1
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AGE
OK, what the ****?
I don't get this. The TV show was so cool, and now they make a movie out of it that makes "Star Wars: Episode 1" look OK. It was so bad I wanted to crush a webcam that one of the characters used in the movie, just because it had been used in the movie. What the heck were the producers thinking when they decided to make this? What!? WHAT?!!?!
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AGE
Great sci-fi!
This is a heavily modernized version of the old Lost in Space TV series. It's funny and interesting, and the characters are memorable. I liked the movie. There are several extremely gross parts, however, that have to do with spiders, and a man being eaten by spiders. I recommend it for ages 12+, or maybe a little younger, depeding on the person's nausea tolerance. : )
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Kid, 10 years old
June 20, 2010
AGE
great dang movie
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| Studio: | New Line |
| Director: | Stephen Hopkins |
| Cast: | Gary Oldman, Matt LeBlanc, William Hurt |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Run time: | 122 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | April 3, 1998 |
| DVD release date: | October 6, 1998 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | some intense sci-fi action |
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