LOST IN SPACE
(PG-13)
MOVIE: *** (out of 5)
BLU-RAY EXPERIENCE: **** (out of 5)
BY KEVIN CARR
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
In 1998, New Line Cinema made a big-budget feature film based on the classic 1960s TV show “Lost in Space.” In this version, the Robinson family is a bit more dysfunctional with Penny not wanting to leave and Will’s relationship with his absentee dad a bit strained. Also, Dr. Smith is way more evil in this version than on the television series. The special effects extravaganza sees the Robinsons heading off to pioneer a new planet where Earth’s population can expand. However, sabotage sends them into uncharted areas of the universe.
WHAT I LIKED
I was never a big fan of the original TV show, so this movie didn’t slay any sacred cows for me. I’m not a fan of the cast, except for Gary Oldman, so bringing William Hurt, Mimi Rogers and Matt LeBlanc together wasn’t exactly a big deal for me.
Ultimately, “Lost In Space” was a lot of fun from a space adventure perspective. It was loaded with special effects, many of which still look great with today’s eye… well, with the exception of that Blarp thing that never quite looked more real than a Saturday morning cartoon.
Still, even though “Lost In Space” wasn’t a great film, it’s neat to watch. There’s enough action to keep me interested, and the effects look fabulous on Blu-ray.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
The breakdown in “Lost In Space” starts with the characters. There’s nothing likeable about the parents, mostly due to William Hurt’s chilly nature as an actor. The kids are brats, and the non-existent chemistry between Matt LeBlanc and Heather Graham is painful to watch.
There’s also a really muddled story, as if they were trying to cram three or four television plots into one movie. The film doesn’t necessarily run long or anything, but it’s nothing special. What kept me from scene to scene was a chance to see the new action and effects rather than what the characters were going to do next.
BLU-RAY FEATURES
The features on this Blu-ray come from the New Line Platinum Series DVD release, which was pretty extensive to begin with. There are deleted scenes, two commentaries, a featurette on the special effects and another on the future of space travel, a music video, a Q&A with the original cast and the theatrical trailer.
WHO’S GOING TO LIKE THIS MOVIE
Probably younger kids and people who didn’t hold the original series as sacred.