Gulliver’s Travels
In 1735 Jonathan Swift penned the original novel and it amazingly has never been out of print since then. I truly wonder what he would think if he could see the screen adaptation of his work. I bet he would also be surprised if he saw Jack Black portraying his lead character. If Swift could see it in 3D like I did, just imagine his reaction to Black's corpulent belly and huge naked butt coming off the screen and into his face!
This movie takes place in our time and has Lemuel Gulliver (Jack Black) toiling in his employer's mail room. Gulliver is a wacky character who has a crush on Darcy Silverman (Amanda Peet) who is a travel journalist and totally beyond his reach. Eventually, he gathers enough courage to approach Darcy but his inadequacies force him to talk business rather then to express his romantic interest. Darcy is led to believe that Gulliver has a talent for writing and asks him to bring a sample for her to read. Unable to produce an article he decides to plagiarise his work by copying information obtained from the Internet. Darcy in initially impressed and gives him an assignment that will have him visit and write about the Bermuda Triangle.
Now, you can imagine how he will wind up in Lilliput which is a land populated by tiny people who regard him as a monster and a beast. The film is full of sight gags like giant "'wedgies", bulging bellies, huge butt cracks and Gulliver peeing on the King of Lilliput in order to extinguish a blazing fire. Adolescent fare to be sure but still capable of invoking a guffaw or two!
While on his adventure, Lemuel Gulliver, discovers some truths about himself and those around him. His new confidence enables him to protect his new friends and to eventually succeed in his own world. This in an enjoyable movie but not one that you are likely to remember for long. The good thing is that you can bring the kids and not be embarrassed.
Rated - PG -
Fatwayne's Rating -
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