Visitors Review

(2012-05-21 03:16)

Very Funny!!!

I thought this movie was really funny, and they made it appeal to the kids more because the original story was written in 1726. They added Star Wars, Guitar Hero, and Twilight references. Jack Black stars as Lemuel Gulliver, a small guy in the mail room with big dreams. While trying to impress Darcy, she sends him to do a story in the Bermuda Triangle. During a storm, he arrives in Lilliput where he is the size of a giant and the townspeople are small. He befriends Horatio to give him confidence to get Princess Mary to like him. In all, I think this is a very fun movie to watch. I highly recommend GULLIVER'S TRAVELS!!!

georgia_cushion (2012-05-20 07:12)

Mind shrinking.

I went to go and see this film with my sister and she absolutely lovedit. I liked it, and yes it was good but I will be honest, I wasexpecting a lot more from this film as it had been a while since thelast Jack Black film so I was somewhat disappointed. I though it had agood story-line and some good actors, Black, Segel and Blunt to name afew. I thought it was funny and typical Jack Black humour, but Iwouldn't say that it was as funny as his other films. I thought that itwas clever and witty but not amazingly funny. Overall I would say thatGulliver's Travels is funny and a good family film. I would rate it8/10 and say that it is suitable for anyone 5+.

Hellmant (2012-05-19 22:38)

Black and company do what they can to make the material enjoyable!

'GULLIVER'S TRAVELS': Three Stars (Out of Five) Modern day, very loose, adaptation of Jonathan Swift's classic 18thcentury novel of the same name. It's directed by Rob Letterman (whoco-directed 'MONSTERS VS ALIENS' and 'SHARK TALE') and co-written byJoe Stillman (who wrote 'PLANET 51' and co-wrote 'SHREK' and 'SHREK 2')and Nicholas Stoller (who also wrote 'YES MAN' and 'GET HIM TO THEGreek' and directed the latter as well as 'FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL').It stars Jack Black in the title role and co-stars Jason Segel (acommon Stoller partner), Emily Blunt, Amanda Peet, Chris O'Dowd, BillyConnolly and T.J. Miller. The film is a silly kids film filled withslapstick gags, state of the art special effects and Black doing hispopular trademark routine the entire film.Black plays an unambitious man-child mail clerk named Lemuel Gulliverwho's been stuck in the same dead end job for several years and has hada crush on journalist Darcy Silverman (Peet) for almost as many but hasbeen too much of a pussy to talk to her. When his trainee (Miller) ispromoted to his boss the first day he's hired Gulliver finally works upthe courage to talk to Darcy out of depression and desperation butinstead of asking her out he applies for a job as a 'travel writer'.When asked to bring in an example of his writing the inexperiencedGulliver brings in plagiarized articles from the internet and isimmediately put on assignment to travel to the Bermuda Triangle anddebunk reports of missing ships there. He gets lost in a storm andwashes up on the unknown island of Lilliput where he is a giant amongthe miniature people who inhabit it. He unwittingly saves the war-torncivilization and becomes a worshiped hero but his true nature and liesare eventually discovered and Gulliver must of course overcome hisflaws and become the true hero he pretended to be.The movie pretty much writes itself and is full of every sight gag andcliché in the book. It's obviously cheesy and predictable but it's alsofunny and amusing as well. Black delivers everything you expect fromhim and the rest of the cast does what they can to make the materialenjoyable as well. The whole concept of the film is absurd but thewriting isn't half bad once you acknowledge that that's the assignmentthey were given. The directing is adequate for a goofy kids film andthe FX are decent as well (it was released in 3D but I saw it in 2D, soI can't comment on how it looked). All in all the movie is what it is;a cheesy kids film made about as well as it could have been.Watch our review show 'MOVIE TALK' at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btk1jpi1Gp4

Roger Ebert (2012-05-19 10:51)

This is live action, and despite the 3-D, it's sorta old-fashioned, not that that's a bad thing.

Pumpkin_Man (2012-05-17 17:12)

Very Funny!!!

I thought this movie was really funny, and they gave it a massiveupgrade and made it appeal to the kids more because the original storywas written in 1726. They added Star Wars, Guitar Hero, and Twilightreferences. Jack Black stars as Lemuel Gulliver, a small guy in themail room with big dreams. While trying to impress Darcy, she sends himto do a story in the Bermuda Triangle. During a storm, he arrives inLilliput where he is the size of a giant and the townspeople are small.He befriends Horatio to give him confidence to get Princess Mary tolike him. In all, I think this is a very fun movie to watch. I highlyrecommend GULLIVER'S TRAVELS!!!

threedbomb (2012-05-17 03:14)

Special Effects Lost Opportunity

I'm not going to focus here on the story or Jack Black. It's dire, Jacktries his best with a bad lot and everyone goes home a bit sad. Theend.What screamed out at me throughout this whole movie was the missedopportunity for bringing realistic, physically accurate effects to thegiant in a land of tiny people idea. For instance, when Jack is talkingto the little peeps, his voice is at exactly the same volume as theirvoices. Despite the fact he has a set of lungs the size of a cathedral.Just his breathing alone should have been wreaking havoc with thelittle peeps surroundings. Just picture a helicopter landing and that'sclose to what his breath should have been doing.Am I being overly picky? Yes of course I am, but with the level ofeffects we can achieve today, there was just no excuse not to tacklethese real world problems a giant would face trying to live amongstaction figure sized people. The possibilities this would have broughtto the story would have been delightful to watch.Everything about the effects were just lazy. From the giantsperspective everything was wrong. From the little peeps perspectiveJack was all wrong too. There was nothing even close to attempting toget the scales right at either end, and what we ended up seeing was acheap special effect that wasn't even impressive in the 80's. RayHarryhausen was doing this better back in my childhood with the Sinbadmovies.Big boo and a hiss to the complete lack of decent physics but a hugehurrah for the opening credits using the camera trick to get the effectof the real world in miniature. Whoever did the opening credits shouldhave had more say in the films main effects.

Robbie Collin (2012-05-17 10:21)

Yeah. I know what you're thinking. If I were you, I wouldn't believe this review either.

chrismsawin (2012-05-16 16:33)

Ship really does happen...

Jack Black is one of those actors/musicians that you either likesomewhat or hate with a passion. There really is no middle ground. Forme, Jack Black the actor will best be known for Be Kind Rewind, theKung Fu Panda films, Saving Silverman, and High Fidelity while JackBlack the musician kind of lost his mojo after the first Tenacious Drecord (which is still a favorite amongst friends). Truth be told,Black seems to be at his best when he's not confined to the limits offamily entertainment or at least has some room to stretch in a PG-13environment. Gulliver's Travels actually feels like a Jack Black moviedespite its family friendly rating, but that still can't save the factthat it's a fairly horrid experience overall.Gulliver (Black) works in the mail room and comes to the realizationthat he's not going anywhere in life. He finds himself on the way toThe Bermuda Triangle after informing the office travel editor, DarcySilverman (Amanda Peet), that he's this supremely gifted (plagiarized)writer. On his journey there, Gulliver wakes up on the island ofLiliput which is filled with nothing but tiny people. As a giantamongst mere men, Gulliver sees this as a chance to start over and bethe "big man" for once. He soon learns that the size of a person isn'talways an accurate portrayal of how big they really are.For a movie being marketed towards children, it was kind of shockingwhat actually made it into the film. There's an entire conversationcentered on the term, "lame @$$," which is blurted several timesthroughout the entire two minute conversation. Can you remember thelast time Mickey Mouse called Donald Duck a "dumb @$$?" I sure can't(that "South Park" episode doesn't count). After a fire breaks out inLiliput, Gulliver thinks on his feet er...with his groin and puts outthe fire by urinating on it as well as a handful of tiny people in theprocess. When all else fails, when you have a problem you're having adifficult time resolving, just pee on it as well as everyone aroundyou. That's pretty much what you'll take away from the segment. And didthey really squeeze the phrase, "skeet skeet," into a family movie?Really?! That's pretty insane. What's even more ludicrous is what thefilm followed that part of the conversation up with; "ship happens." Itsure does, Gulliver. It sure does.You can probably accept the way the movie begins; mostly because itactually looks and feels like the way Jack Black wakes up everymorning. Walking around without pants on, re-enacting Star Wars withaction figures, and mixing coffee and creamer in the filter to makecoffee all seem like something the Jack Black people have gone to seeon-screen the past fifteen years would do. That's kind of the only goodthing about Gulliver's Travels. It does feel like it's Jack Blackapproved and authenticated by the man himself, which it probably wassince he also produced it. The movie is based on the Jonathan Swiftnovel of the same name, which was written in 1726. But the movie givesno on-screen credit to the novel and that should be the first sign thatyou should probably abandon ship before you even board.The bottom line is Gulliver's Travels isn't funny. Not even a littlebit. It's just toilet humor and expensive special effects collidingtogether while Jack Black shoves his goofy antics down your throat. Theguy passes out after he falls on his backside, which is honestlysomething I've never seen before this movie. While Black does look tobe having fun in the role, it just doesn't translate very well. Thesetiny people build Gulliver a life size home in less than seven days,which doesn't seem very logical. Forcing Horatio (Jason Segel) torecite Prince's "Kiss" while trying to woo Princess Mary (Emily Blunt)probably should've been more entertaining than it was. Jack Black cansing. He has the talent and the ability, but he's one of thoseperformers that's better heard rather than seen. Him singing "War" atthe end of the movie really should've just played over the creditsrather than be an in-movie, choreographed with tiny people music video.Was Emily Blunt being awful on purpose? She was just horrendous attimes. Plus she dropped out of Iron Man 2 for this? Somebody explainthat to me.Gulliver's Travels is more than likely just as bad as the unfortunatesoul that actually sat through it told you it was, if not worse. JackBlack does try to carry the film the best that he can, but it allcrumbles once he literally and figuratively urinates all overeverything. Throw in a giant robot and Black's butt crack and it'simmediately labeled as something you should probably never sit through.Ever. Although featuring some well done special effects, any little bitof good Gulliver's Travels once had is massively outweighed by badacting, weak story points, and humor that's more disgusting than itneeds to be.

Bill Gibron (2012-05-11 20:11)

a likable, if ultimately limited bit of family film fun.

blueheart-1 (2012-05-11 02:43)

Fun for the children, maybe not so good for adults

The strain is beginning to show on Hollywood as the publics insatiableappetite for films starts to take its toll. My children like to go tothe cinema about once a week, and its a miracle that there are almostenough films for us not to have to see them twice. My heart sinkssometimes when I see the forthcoming attractions.I was dreading taking my son to this shameless vehicle for Jack Black,the trailers made it look dire, but I must admit I was pleasantlysurprised. We all know the Gulliver story, big guy, little people, andthe love story was a bit of a yawn, but there were some laughs alongthe way, the supporting cast was excellent and somehow it skips alongto the end without losing pace. Yes the plot was trite, the editingpoor and there could have been more jokes. But, as my son pointed out,it was very clever how they made Gulliver big and the little people,well... small. He loved it!Not the best film I've ever seen, but entertaining enough in its way. Ijust hope I don't have to go and see it again.

mgould23 (2012-05-09 01:50)

A waste of time.

A great classic story ruined by the Hollywood egomaniacs. With hundredsof movies on television we made the mistake of venturing out on ahorrible day to watch this new version of Gulliver. Well here's myreview, I have just sat through this boring awful movie with mygrandson and consider it was a complete waste of time and £20-00. Thereis nothing good I can say about this film. It goes to show that onceagain the usual holiday hype has worked and people are being hooked into pay good money to watch rubbish.It is sad that with all the money this movie must have cost to make,the final result has turned out to be so dismal. Jack Black is mediocreas Gulliver and unfortunately the rest of the cast look like they areworking under duress for an appearance fee. The one exception is ChrisO Dowd who stands out as the only redeeming thing in what has to bethis year's Christmas turkey.

(2012-05-08 13:43)

What fun!

This review is from: Gulliver's Travels (Two-Disc + Gulliver's Fun Pack) (DVD) I have never been a Jack Black fan but I fell in love with him in this movie. Great for the whole family.

Betsy Sharkey (2012-05-08 00:29)

"Gulliver's Travels" is one of those movies that falls between complete disaster and loads of fun. Mild amusement is probably about right.

Caleb Stevens (2012-05-07 14:41)

Good but Nothing Special

This movie is based on the ANCIENT book published in 1726! The moviestars Jack Black who I think does a very convincing job as a guy thatwill never leave the mailroom. This movie was good but I left the movietheatre and I wasn't thinking about it 15 minutes later. When I sawAvatar I was thinking about it an hour later! I think Jack Black did agood job but I was checking my watch to see how much longer was left.The comedy in the movie made it bearable. Like when he pees on the firemade me laugh. Jason Segel and Emily Blunt did a very good job at theirroles (especially Jason Segel). As for Amanda Peet she didn't bringmuch to the role. I'm not at all against Amanda Peet and I really likedher 2012. But, for somebody that Jack Black finds hot I would have doneMegan Fox or somebody like that because she really didn't bringanything to the role. I liked the detail in certain parts like whenGuliver has another New York City built after him and one of thebillboards says GPAD (Like The Guliver iPad). My favorite part was whenGuliver has a theatre created after him and it shows his life storiesand one of the stories is the "Titanic" and he plays "Jack Dawson" andthe one guys questions how he dies and is now alive and Guliver says hecame back to life (but he says it the way that Jack Black would).

John Flammic (2012-05-07 03:48)

A Good Family Movie

I liked it. I don't care what other people write here, cos many peoplelike it as well; they just don't spend their time writing reviews.A very colorful, positive, funny and heart-warming movie. It has aclassical plot with classical character elements. It's very clear andeasy.Many people mention in their reviews that this movie is ''childish''.Well, I guess that it's a movie for kids then! I actually recommendthis movie to all ages, but it's really good to watch as a whole familywith children. I went to see it with my friends.After watching this movie, you will walk out of the theatre with asmile on your face.A very simple, funny and positive movie.Go see it!

bopdog (2012-05-06 09:50)

Stale Jack Black shtick stinks up some otherwise entertaining elements

I developed a distinct dislike for the lead character 30 seconds intothis movie. I really wanted that character to be killed somehow. JackBlack may be a lovely person in real life, but his standard "sleazy"and constantly riffing characters grate on me. If I was more spiritual,no doubt I wold not find Jack Black's performances so annoying. Thereason i went to this, despite Black's appearance in it as Gulliver,was that I read a review from a critic I respect which said Blackdidn't do his usual shtick in this role. Wrong. Same stale tricks. It'sthe same old character- the clueless and selfish lout.On the positive side, Amanda Peet was nice to see. And Emily Blunt.Peet didn't have much to do, but I hadn't seen her in a long while andit was nice to see she hadn't changed much- she's as bright and clearas ever. Blunt had a bit more of a role, and she carried it off well.The Lilliputian vibe of 17th Century England was a nice touch- probablythe only purely enjoyable part of the movie, apart from watching thecharming ladies. Although I must say Jason Segel was remarkably likableas the second banana, as he usually is.

Brian Orndorf (2012-05-04 07:58)

Not only is the film nearly laugh-free, but completely irresponsible as well. The ethical core of the feature is smaller than the Lilliputians...tilt-shift eye-candy, but a feature film that's wholly depressing to sit through.

(2012-05-03 18:08)

Maybe Not Worth the Full Theater Price Unless You LOVE Jack or Popcorn

If you hate Jack Black you will not want to see this film. If you love him, you will probably love Gulliver.For everyone else: Moments of cleverness, special effects and sweet humor make it watchable. I didn't see it in 3D which I'm sure added an element that would make it more watch-worthy. Overall, it is a sweetish story of growing up, doing the right thing, taking responsibility for your actions, and overcoming slackerness.Basic plot: Gulliver is the manager of the mail room at a large newspaper. He has a huge, silent crush on the travel writing editor. He packs up all his boyish pride and charm and intends to ask her out, but he flakes and pretends to want to write a travel article. She gives him a fake one to test his skills and he plagiarizes some impressive write-ups. She offers him an obscure gig in the Bermuda Triangle. And there the story gets freaky. He's sucked into a whirlpool and wakes up on a beach and discovers that he's infested with little people --- angry little people. He goes on to befriend them by saving the king but makes an enemy out of the head of the military, the king's soon-to-be son-in-law. Drama, angst, and more drama follow, lessons are learned and everyone who deserves to lives happily ever after does.High points: The Lilliputians are extreme builders and there are very entertaining moments watching them in action. Live theater wherein the Lilliputians act out scenes from Gulliver's "life" are entertaining too. "Live" interactive video games ala Rock Band or Guitar Hero are funny. One scene was an inappropriately laugh out loud moment for me. During the arrest scene on the beach, Gulliver's shorts get yanked on exposing some crack, and then he falls, onto one of the most unfortunate Lilliputians. The credits may have been a bigger laugh though because he was billed as the butt crack guy. My friends and I thought that would be a fabulous addition to his resume and/or a great ice breaker at parties. "So have I seen you in anything?" "Well, my best part was Butt Crack Guy in Gulliver's Travels."Low points: Lots of bathroom humor. From saving the king by putting out the fire via bladder contents, to the scene where the words Lame A--are used about ten times while Gulliver tries to convince the General that Lame A--is the ultimate in compliments, to the whispered say-what-I-say-to-your-lady-love scene, to the anti-war dance, there are plenty of flat or odd moments. Gulliver's relationship with Darcy (Amanda Peet) is not real fleshed out or believable, and Emily Blunt really doesn't get much of a chance to shine.It's worth the investment of a Red Box or Netflix rental. Unless you hate Jack. If you do, don't even put it on your queue.

Nell Minow (2012-05-02 12:19)

The flaccid torpor of the script shows utter contempt for its audience in every line.

st-shot (2012-05-02 06:49)

Gulliver's travesty.

In the latest Gulliver go round ( there have been at least a dozenvariations since 1902) we have a production of enormous precise detailvividly brought alive by state of the art special effects, grand setdesign and lavish costuming all crushed by the uninspired casting ofthe slobbering one note buffoon Jack Black in the title role. In hispudgy mitts the Swiftian satire becomes another heavy handed,predictable goof ball routine of sly eyed impishness and soft heartedsweetness applied in the same manner as in the rest of his "zany"canon. Lemuel Gulliver sets out for the Bermuda Triangle to prove himself as ajournalist and to win the heart of the girl of his dreams. Blown offcourse by a raging tropical storm he finds himself on the the tinyisland of the tiny people, Liliput. Gaining their trust he is soon therage of the land improving infrastructure and counseling the lovelorn.All goes well until he is challenged by General Edward and ishumiliated before all who look up to him. Can Gulliver redeem himself?What's more important is that the filmmakers have enough story to fillthe second half with fun pyrotechnics.Black's cuddly bear, man child grows more tiresome with eachperformance and in Gulliver it's lights out early with the same boorishroutine the ubiquitous media gadfly projects whether playing a role ordoing an interview. Director Rob Letterman's film does have a preciouslook and he does inject some nice Python humor here and there but it isall obscured by Black's beached whale of a Gulliver. For lazy parentslooking for a baby sitter, the film might serve as that crazy and funnyuncle that can occupy the kiddies for two hours. Make sure though yousend them with an older sibling. Unlike this loser of a film it will bea win, win for you to abstain.