Movie Review: The Last Mimzy by ME

Title: The Last Mimzy
Starring: Rhiannon Leigh Wryn, Joely Richardson, Timothy Hutton, Megan McKinnon, Marc Thomas Musso, Rainn Wilson
Directed By: Robert Shaye
Produced By: Robert Shaye, Justis Greene, Sara Risher
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Release Date: March 23rd, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG for some thematic elements, mild peril and language.
Distributors: New Line Cinema

Two siblings begin to develop special talents after they find a mysterious box of toys from the future. The toys affect the kids intelligence levels, making them geniuses. Soon the kids, their parents, and even their teacher are drawn into a strange and sometimes terrifying world. Can they beat the clock and save the future?

The Last Mimzy is a true family film, there is no doubt of that. While it falls just short of being a great movie it is a very well done film. I can't quite figure out exactly what the film is missing in order to push over that line on the land of greatness. I can think of a few small things that deter from the film but it feels like it is missing one thing, one little piece of pizazz. Anyways, let me tell you what makes this movie work.

First and foremost it's the children. Newcomers Chris O'Neil and Rhiannon Leigh Wryn play Noah and Emma Wilder with all the little touches that make you believe that they are brother and sister. Sure, there is the standard cuteness that seems to be a necessity in today's films but these two kids can pull the roles off without seeming like just two pretty faces. Second is the effects. While there are situations that call for some heavy duty effects, none seem over the top. I think part of that is that The Last Mimzy doesn't have any CG characters. Everything that is CG is a light show or something that effects objects. Third is Rainn Wilson, who plays the kids science teacher, Mr. White. With a slight hippieish, spiritual feel he brings some pretty funny humor into the mix. Again, without being over the top. Well, maybe his wardrobe is a little, with wearing a Pink Floyd t-shirt to class (which had to be part of a deal between the studio and Roger Waters, who provides a song for the soundtrack).

The parents, David and Jo Wilder, played by Timothy Hutton and Joely Richardson, seemed to me to be little more than your stereotypical parents. Not in a bad way, dad works a little too much while mom stays home with the kids. I guess it would be better to call them the stereotypical standard family of today. The only other cast member I want to mention is Michael Clarke Duncan, who is one of the problems I mentioned earlier. He seems miscast as the Government Agent that has to deal with one of the effects of the toys. When we first see him, he is at home just after getting “the call”. He is forgetful and wouldn't be able to find his own ass if it wasn't for his wife. Then he is Mr. Government Official, all on top of things and slightly menacing. Then the major issue. After the climax of the film he just gets in his helicopter and flies away. You know if this was real life, those kids would be poked, prodded and tested for the next ten years!

So I won't hold the whole Peter Jackson and The Hobbit/Lord Of The Rings fiasco against Robert Shaye this time and give The Last Mimzy my recommendation for families everywhere. Just be prepared for a movie that may not be as memorable as E.T (which this movie reminds me of) it still shows that sometimes kids know more than we adults give them credit for. Even if they get help from a stuffed bunny.

Keep reading,
Mitch E.
mitchemerson@hotmail.com