This film is based on the classic novel of the same title, written by Jonathan Swift and originally released in the 1700s. The movie, updated into modern times, tells the epic tale of Lemuel Gulliver, played by Black, who works as a mail clerk in a New York office. Craving something more, Gulliver bluffs his way into a job as a travel writer and embarks on his first assignment. During a storm he is thrust through a portal into an unknown land called Lilliput. In Lilliput, Gulliver is a giant because all of the people in the land are the size of a pinky finger.
While the Lilliputians (what the local townspeople are called) are initially frightened by Gulliver’s size and girth, as time goes on he comes to be involved in their affairs and eventually wins their affections. He then must act as a protector of Lilliput, acting as the heroic giant that must defeat incoming invaders and foreign attacks. The film that goes on to find Gulliver living the bigger than life dreams that he always imagined, and more. But can it live up to his expectations?
Gulliver’s Travels has wide appeal to kids and families, because it offers a minimally violent adventure tale involving overcoming adversity, and ends with the audience being taught a very important lesson; that it’s the size of the heart that counts, and not the body. There are many scenes throughout the film to keep the kids giggling, as well as few parts special for the adults.
Some people were disappointed by the film, however, as they were expecting a more accurate adaptation of the original story. Critics claim that too much was lost in trying to make the movie family-friendly, and some of the more serious issues behind the novel were ignored. Perhaps this is a good thing, however, as adventure stories are, at their base, designed to be fun and exciting. Adding too much intensity to the film, which couldn’t possibly accurately display 300 year old ideas, would have confused audiences and lowered the value of the film. As it is, the upcoming Gulliver’s Travels DVD presents an excellent choice for a Friday night family film, but should be avoided as the movie to show at a 21st birthday party.
