'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.