Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Visually exciting sci-fi adventure has unexpected violence.
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Tomorrowland
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 42 parent reviews
Based on 60 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is visually stunning and carries strong messages about dreaming and teamwork, but it might be overwhelming for younger audiences due to its intense violence and frequent mild language. Many reviewers suggest it is best suited for older children and teens, with some noting that the action-packed scenes, including robot violence and disintegration, may frighten younger kids, while others appreciate the overall creativity and plot.
- visual effects
- strong messages
- intense violence
- suitable for older kids
- mixed reviews
- positive role models
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
TOMORROWLAND is a sci-fi adventure that starts with curmudgeonly Frank Walker (George Clooney) discussing how the future was different when he was a kid. In a flashback to the 1964 New York World's Fair, a young Frank (Thomas Robinson) enters a competition for inventors with his homemade jet pack; the head judge (Hugh Laurie) isn't overly impressed, but a mysterious young girl named Athena (Raffey Cassidy) appreciates Frank's enthusiasm and gives him a magical "T" pin that unlocks the gateway to Tomorrowland. Fifty years later, in the present, Casey Newton (Britt Robertson) is the brilliant, optimistic daughter of a soon-to-be-unemployed NASA engineer (Tim McGraw). Athena (still looking like a little girl) secretly leaves Casey the same kind of "T" pin she gave Frank so long ago. When Casey finds it, she's transported to a bright and shiny alternate dimension. Soon, thanks to Athena's involvement, Casey travels across the country to meet Frank; together they must find their way back to Tomorrowland so they can save the Earth's future.
Is It Any Good?
Director Brad Bird delivers spectacular visuals and thrilling action sequences. Unfortunately, the unnecessarily convoluted plot, disturbingly casual violence, and heavy-handed messages make for an ultimately underwhelming experience. Considering the movie's hype and Bird's reputation (The Incredibles, The Iron Giant), Tomorrowland was expected to be one of 2015's best family films. And while kids are bound to enjoy the sci-fi spectacle aspects, some adults will wonder what the fuss is about, and cynics may well stand firm in their belief that it's basically a two-hour commercial for Disneyland/Disney World's Tomorrowland.
The movie offers undeniably positive messages: Dreamers have to stick together, ideas are worth fighting for, knowing how things work is important, and inventors must never give up on their innovations, because they can literally change the future. These are all worthy ideas that kids (and adults) should take to heart. But messages and eye-popping visuals aside, the story is missing an important layer of emotional depth. Casey barely thinks twice about abandoning her father and brother to go in search of answers about her mysterious "T" pin. The villains remain rather unexplained outside of the Agent Smith-like robots who can dematerialize innocent passersby, police officers, and pretty much anyone who gets in their way. And it takes way too long for everyone to make their way back to Tomorrowland. Still, despite the movie's many flaws, the performances (what a standout Cassidy is as Athena!) and action scenes will entertain viewers -- just not enough to claim a spot in the canon among the best Disney films.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the popularity of movies about the future. How does the future in Tomorrowland -- both the fantasy version and the more Earth-bound one -- compare to other movies that tackle the topic? What do you think the future will be like?
How much violence does the movie show? Do the deaths mean less because there's no blood? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Are Casey and Frank role models? Both make dangerous choices (and in Casey's case, even illegal), but their goals are ultimately positive ones. Does that excuse everything they do?
What do you think about all of the movie's Disney references and themes? Would you have liked it as much without them? Does the movie make you want to visit Tomorrowland in Disneyland or Disneyworld? Do you think that was the intent?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 22, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : October 13, 2015
- Cast : George Clooney , Britt Robertson , Hugh Laurie
- Director : Brad Bird
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures
- Run time : 130 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sequences of sci-fi action violence and peril, thematic elements, and language
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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