Lost in Space
USA - 1998
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Movie Review By Heather Clisby
Nostalgia strikes again. 'Lost in Space' the sci-fi television series from the mid-60s is back and guess what? The special effects have reeeally improved in the last 30 years. No, really.
All kidding aside, this film is another technological feast for the eyes. These days, with each sci-fi flick scrambling to out-dazzle the one prior, no cost was spared in creating a truly luxurious peek into the year 2058. Make no mistake, giant alien spiders, holograms, and hyper-drive are the main reason to see this film.
Thus, the characters could be incidental, which, as a pleasant surprise, they are not. This is mostly due to a superb cast, starting with William Hurt as Professor John Robinson, an egghead who is determined to save his race by colonizing another planet, starting with his family. The earth is almost out of ozoneÖscary, considering that's exactly where we're headed.
His equally brilliant wife, Maureen Robinson (played by Mimi Rogers) is adept at reminding her husband to be a father when he's not Hero of the Universe. Daughter Judy is played by the lovely Heather Graham, daughter Penny is played by 'Party of Five's' Lacey Chabert and young Will Robinson is played oh-so naturally by Jack Johnson.
To fly Jupiter 2, they opt for fighter pilot Don West, a Han Solo character played by Matt LeBlanc from 'Friends' fame. Important to note that after several failed attempts at quality screen time, LeBlanc has finally arrived with this film. He is given wonderful lines such as during his failed attempt at seducing Judy, he responds logically: "If there's no time for fun, what are we saving the planet for?"
Nothing comparatively, of course, with Scary Gary Oldman as the hilariously evil Dr. Zachary Smith. His performance is so wonderfully over-the-top, the camp just shines through; close to Mike Myer's evil scientist parody in 'Austin Powers.' 'Lost in Space' fans would be truly astray without the guidance of the Robot. "Danger, Will Robinson!" was the mantra for the entire show. Yes, the robot is back ó leaner, meaner and with cooler gadgetry, I can assure you ó and get this, the same guy, Dick Tufeld, does the voice! To me, this voice was a sacred component of the old series and the fact that director Stephen Hopkins kept this intact was a classy move. There's even a tip of the hat to another old series, 'The Waltons.'
'Lost in Space' fans would be truly astray without the guidance of the Robot. "Danger, Will Robinson!" was the mantra for the entire show. Yes, the robot is back ó leaner, meaner and with cooler gadgetry, I can assure you ó and get this, the same guy, Dick Tufeld, does the voice! To me, this voice was a sacred component of the old series and the fact that director Stephen Hopkins kept this intact was a classy move. There's even a tip of the hat to another old series, 'The Waltons.'
'Lost in Space' is a very fun movie. There are moments of hokey sentimentality and the syrupy ending is predictable but the ride is worth the ticket price. The robot has come light years away from being towed with a rope on rolling wooden blocks.
© 1998 - Heather Clisby - Air Date: 4/1/98
