Slumberland

This is not my first rodeo and not my first film review. So I will tell you straight up. I watched Slumberland right after I watched Disenchanted 2022, Disney's attempt to re-awaken (!) one of their most successful franchises. During Disenchanted, I was so bored I started making a list of all the ways the film had failed to meet the standards of the original, yet alone improve on them, until I finally gave up. Slumberland, on the other hand, hooked me from the getgo with a simple story, well told, and loads of cool CGI. The film worked for me. Only after watching did I read the mainstream reviews, and discovered to my surpise that the mainstream critics felt Slumberland lacked an emotional connection. When precisely did our world become so cynical and lacking in hope that a story about an 11 year old who loses her father ... becomes lacking in emotion?? Riddle me that if you can. A solid film, well done. Recommended. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

This is a very well made, perfectly balanced film.

It has enough confidence to take its time laying down the background and characters - yet doesn't drag.

The set pieces are imaginative and well rendered - younger children will be enthralled.

The production and acting is great! The cast is lean and all the characters are interesting and serve a purpose.

The writers used great skill replicating a dreamlike state by bending the rules of reality in fun ways - but managed not to take things too far and lose all sense of tension.

This is a remarkably well made film that is fun, exciting and touching.

It has amazing affects and great character moments.

I have come to realize that if one is making a movie for families it will never get high enough rating, that's a given. Frankly, People who only watch and love Noah Baumbach and Terrence Malick movies should not expect similar experience from Slumberland. This limits the movie's reach to people who would have otherwise experienced it and loved it. I gave it a well deserved 8 since it is very well made but it is no The Return of the King. Not as much layered as some would want it to be but, come on, it made for viewing as a family which includes kids as young as 8 years old (my family) it indeed is competently handled by Francis Lawrence. A simple story with a lot of heart. Cool CGI and imaginative set pieces along with amazing performance across the board do help. I wasn't expecting it to be so good, just wanted to have a good time with my kids but was completely drawn in. This is a perfect one for holidays. Give it a go and you won't be disappointed.

All around I recommend this movie. I'm not a critic or anything. Slumberland is sweet yet heartbreaking while remaining hopeful. It is creative and whimsical, but has more of a heal your inner child vibe than a kids movie. Great for them in the sense of imagination but I cried the whole time, so it may be a bit of a big concept and for littles. Maybe for a little older? Depends on your kid of course. While sentimental it is a bit predictable but that's what makes this feel like a safe, comfort movie. Jason mamoa is funny. The cast is all around likable. It has as happy ending as it could have given the beginning.

I didn't know this movie was out. I was pleasantly surprised. I watched it with the family (two daughters, 11 and 13) and what fun this movie is. It's funny, looks amazing, decent acting, really good story. We were captivated from start to end. A must see if you have kids! This is the best family movie out there at the moment.

Jason Momoa was a surprise as well. Good to see him in a different role. He was entertaining.

Story is about a girl who lost her dad and tries to find him in her dreams. That sounds lame, but don't let that fool you. The movie is really entertaining from start to finish.