The story of Gulliver’s Travels has seen many adaptations, but the 2010 movie starring Jack Black offers a distinctly modern and comedic approach. Unlike some versions, including one featuring Ted Danson, this film quickly establishes its contemporary setting right from the start, placing Gulliver in a present-day world complete with smartphones. This immediately sets the tone for a different kind of Gulliver’s adventure.
From Mailroom to Miniature World: Gulliver’s Modern Dilemma
Jack Black’s Gulliver is introduced as an unfulfilled mailroom worker at the New York Tribune. He yearns for more, specifically a connection with travel writer Darcy and a chance to step up in his career. In a relatable modern twist, Gulliver uses the internet to fabricate his resume and impress Darcy, landing him an assignment to the Bermuda Triangle. This sets the stage for his extraordinary journey.
Entering Lilliput: A Land of Laughs and Little People
The Bermuda Triangle sequence is depicted as a thrilling event, transporting Gulliver to another dimension – Lilliput. This land mirrors the Lilliput experienced by Ted Danson’s Gulliver in other adaptations, but with a strong emphasis on humor. The movie primarily focuses on Gulliver’s time in Lilliput, maximizing comedic opportunities. Lilliput itself is portrayed as a fully realized nation, albeit populated by tiny people relative to Gulliver. It’s a kingdom complete with a grand castle for the royal family, a bustling city filled with diverse inhabitants, and surrounding countryside. The Lilliputians are also engaged in conflicts with other miniature nations, adding layers to their society.
Heroism and Pop Culture Collide in Lilliput
Gulliver initially gains respect in Lilliput by demonstrating his strength in battle, quickly becoming a hero to the small citizens. This is where the movie injects a significant dose of silliness and pop culture references. Gulliver’s memories of movies he’s watched become integrated into his Lilliputian life. Pop culture references are abundant, and in one memorable scene, elements from “Star Wars” and “Transformers” are combined to create a giant R2-D2-Transformer hybrid for battle, all stemming from Gulliver’s past video game ideas.
Love and Intrigue Among the Lilliputians
Parallel to Gulliver’s adventures, a subplot unfolds involving the Lilliputian characters. The prisoner Horatio and the villainous Edward compete for the affections of Princess Mary. Horatio’s release from captivity is directly linked to his friendship with the giant Gulliver, highlighting Gulliver’s influence in this miniature world. One scene involving Mary’s kidnapping is described with a humorous take on potentially poor writing or acting, ultimately concluding it’s intentionally exaggerated for comedic effect, praising the acting for its commitment to the material.
Plot Quirks and Impressive Battles
The movie playfully acknowledges a plot inconsistency: Gulliver loses cell service near the Bermuda Triangle but inexplicably receives missed voicemails after crossing dimensions. This detail, while illogical, is presented as a setup for an upcoming plot twist. The battle sequences in “Gulliver’s Travels movie” are noted as being surprisingly well-executed, comparable to action scenes in CW superhero shows, with even Horatio joining the fray.
A Glimpse into the Giant World
There’s a brief role reversal scene where Gulliver encounters a giant world, meeting a little girl who is enormous compared to him, offering a humorous perspective shift and a nod to the original story’s themes of perspective.
Musical Finale and Overall Verdict
The film includes a large-scale musical number, performed by the entire cast, featuring a song favored by Gulliver. The musical choice leans towards older music, differing from typical teen-oriented romantic comedies, which might appeal to a broader audience. In conclusion, while “Gulliver’s Travels movie” (2010) may not be a strictly faithful or literary adaptation, it’s presented as an enjoyable and reasonably well-made comedic film. It’s recommended for viewers who appreciate Jack Black’s brand of humor and are looking for a lighthearted, modern take on the classic tale.
