Gullivers Travels 2010 Movie Review

Introduction to Gulliver’s Travels

The 2010 movie Gulliver’s Travels is a fantasy adventure comedy film directed by Rob Letterman, based on the 18th-century novel of the same name by Jonathan Swift. The film stars Jack Black as Lemuel Gulliver, a mailroom clerk who travels to the Bermuda Triangle and ends up on the island of Lilliput, where he finds himself in the middle of a conflict between the tiny inhabitants of the island and their neighboring enemies, the Blefuscudians. In this review, we will delve into the movie’s plot, characters, and overall reception.

The Plot Unfolds

The movie begins with Lemuel Gulliver, a lowly mailroom clerk at a New York City newspaper, who is struggling to make a name for himself. After being assigned to write a travel piece, Gulliver sets sail to the Bermuda Triangle, where he gets caught in a storm and ends up on the island of Lilliput. The island is inhabited by tiny people, who are initially hostile towards Gulliver but eventually come to see him as a hero. Gulliver becomes embroiled in the conflict between the Lilliputians and their neighboring enemies, the Blefuscudians, and must use his wits and cunning to help the Lilliputians defeat their enemies and find a way back home.

Character Analysis

The movie features a talented cast, including Jack Black as Lemuel Gulliver, Amanda Peet as Darcy Silverman, and Jason Segel as Horatio. Black brings his signature energy and humor to the role of Gulliver, and his chemistry with the other actors is undeniable. The Lilliputians, led by Emily Blunt as Princess Mary, are also well-developed and add to the movie’s charm.

Reception and Criticism

Gulliver’s Travels received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the movie’s visuals and humor, while others found it to be lacking in substance and faithful adaptation of the original novel. The movie holds a 28% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics feeling that it did not live up to its full potential. Despite this, the movie was a commercial success, grossing over $237 million worldwide.

Comparison to the Original Novel

One of the main criticisms of the movie is its deviation from the original novel by Jonathan Swift. While the novel is a satire that comments on the politics and society of Swift’s time, the movie is more focused on action and adventure. However, the movie does retain some of the novel’s themes, such as the concept of a stranger in a strange land and the commentary on the human condition.

Notes on the Movie’s Themes

📝 Note: The movie’s themes of identity, community, and the human condition are well-explored, and the visuals and action sequences are well-executed. However, the movie’s lack of faithfulness to the original novel and its reliance on slapstick humor may be off-putting to some viewers.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Gulliver’s Travels is a visually stunning and entertaining movie that is sure to delight fans of fantasy and adventure. While it may not be the most faithful adaptation of the original novel, it retains some of the novel’s themes and ideas, and the cast delivers strong performances. Overall, the movie is a fun and lighthearted take on a classic tale, and is sure to appeal to viewers of all ages.