'Lost in Space': Old values in futuristic situation

'Lost in Space': Old values in futuristic situation

By Lilia Syarif Naga

JAKARTA (JP): Oct. 1, 2058 is only 60 years away, and do we
really need a new planet to live on so soon? Yes, Stephen Hopkins
and Akiva Goldsman insist.

New Line Cinema, seemingly like other studios has jumped into
futuristic film setting fever, but with one good selling point;
the film was made for all ages. Lost in Space is fully digestible
for kiddies, teens, and even old folk.

The scene thrillingly opens with space combat in which Major
West (Matt Le Blanc, that cute guy from TV sitcom serial Friends)
gallantly struggles to save his desperate fellow fighter.

The hectic space combat depicted in this movie comes across
quite ordinary since all moviegoers were already saturated with
such pictures from Starwars, Independence Day, Alien and other
films, but somehow luckily this is not a film about a bloody,
colossal war.

It is about the Robinson family (why pick the name Robinson,
it reminded the audience of the old TV serial, The Swiss Family
Robinson) who wanted to explore a new settlement and faced
unpredictable danger.

The Robinsons; William Hurt, Mimi Rogers, Heather Graham,
Laccy Chabert, Jack Johnson and Jared Harris are played naturally
and the plot of the story flows smoothly.

Nevertheless, like other futuristic films, somehow this one is
stuffed with some bizarre impossibilities; such as how could that
young Will Robinson be so smart and resourceful, even smarter
than the rest of the family.

But that is the charm, because audiences always like a hero or
a fighter for a noble cause, no matter what age, gender or
anything else. Bruce Broughton creatively adds the spice with
dynamic and fascinating music while Peter Levy tries very hard to
arrange each scene in proper continuity.

With the basic idea of making a film for all ages, Lost in
Space, an adaptation of the 1960s television series with the same
title, is filled with ubiquitous family friction and endeavor of
each family member to win each other's affection.

Major West's naughtily amorous affair with Judy Robinson, the
young, hard working, beautiful doctor contributes a warm fire of
romance in the cold, dreary and frightening planetary setting.

The common theme of the war between good and bad occurs in
Lost in Space, wherein Dr. Smith (Gary Oldman) in the antagonist
role is depicted as the troublemaker, the arch-enemy who always
nevertheless participates in family matters, family occasions and
family picnics (Major West cynically says that this family trip
on a spaceship is only a picnic).

Considering the age of audiences, Stephen Hopkins does not
feature too much violence, nobody is killed but a mutant spider.
Even the mischievous Dr. Smith was spared from death, hmm that's
ok, considering the education of the tender aged Will Robinson.

Will and Penny Robinson are played naturally and radiate most
delight with their childish and playful exploits. Penny Robinson
habitually clings to her electronic diary while Will Robinson is
engrossed with high tech toys clearly showing that parental love
is always playing a big role in shaping a kid's character and
future.

William Hurt portrayed a typical father who is extremely busy
in space exploring projects and unintentionally neglecting his
lovelorn kids. It is very wonderful that all of the Robinsons are
very clever, imaginative and persevere without losing their sense
of humor and readiness to face unpredictable danger.

The pretended hostility between Judy Robinson and Major West
also add exhilaration to the story and not to forget the
appearance of the high tech robot which sometimes becomes a
friend or foe and animatoronic creature from Jim Henson's
Creature Shop surely gives joy to younger audience and the old as
well.

The antagonistic Dr. Smith, on the other side, keeps the plot
of the story alive and heart-throbbing with his vicious words and
threats. In total perspective, Lost in Space is admirable and
well done since it is not easy to make such a good film with only
seven players.

Thanks to good technology and special effects, the film
presents many new ideas and tricks to feed the curious and
enthusiastic moviegoers.