As corny as it sounds, the only term that really describes "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow" adequately — and fits with the film's rather old-fashioned style and tone — is "neat."
This science-fiction adventure does feel a little cold, largely the result of being heavy on computer effects — to include digitally created sets. But it's also in keeping with the tone of the older movies that inspired it.
"Spy Captain" may be an acquired taste. But for those who have an appreciation for old pulp serials and classic sci-fi, it's a real treat. And even if you don't, the movie has so much style and class that it's hard not to get caught up in it.
This is also one of the few, live-action, PG-rated films that actually deserves its rating; aside from violent content and some mild innuendo, it's one of the cleaner films out there.
The title character is Joe Sullivan (Jude Law), an adventurer who fights crime and forces of evil around the world — usually from the cockpit of his fighter plane. Then there's his ex-girlfriend, intrepid newspaper reporter Polly Perkins (Gwyneth Paltrow), who gets him into all sorts of trouble.
Currently, Polly is investigating the mysterious disappearance of several leading scientists, which may have something to do with a series of hit-and-run invasions by giant robots who have wreaked havoc in New York City.
So the two head back to his secret lair, where Joe's scientist pal Dex Dearborn (Giovanni Ribisi) may be able to find a way to track the robotic fiends. However, as it turns out, the robots beat our hero to the punch, destroying his hideout and taking Dex with them. But before they do, Dex leaves Joe and Polly a crucial clue. And another of Joe's old girlfriends, Francesca "Franky" Cook (Angelina Jolie), offers them other resources to aid in their search.
"Sky Captain" has style to burn. Writer-director Kerry Conran spent a decade perfecting the effects, and the film looks great. (Buffs will enjoy his homages to classic films and cartoons, including "The Wizard of Oz.")
On the performance side, Law is a bit stiff, which may be a deliberate move on his part, but it also makes him one of the few weak links here. On the other hand, Paltrow seems to be having fun as the fearless newswoman and Ribisi steals his scenes as the eager-beaver inventor.
"Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow" is rated PG for scenes of sci-fi action violence (robot attacks, some hand-to-hand combat, laser blasts and explosive mayhem), some mildly suggestive talk, and use of some mild profanity. Running time: 107 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com