Don’t be put off by the title inspired by a Disneyland ride – The Haunted Mansion this certainly isn’t.

Like the glittering, space-age utopia it takes its name from, Brad Bird’s sci-fi adventure is a bold and beautiful film, staring wistfully into the past even as it strides hopefully towards the future.

Some will sneer at the seemingly Objectivist undertones; others will call it preachy and overly optimistic. But what’s wrong with being quixotic? We need directors like Bird to lead the charge, tilting at the windmills in our society – especially when the windmills in question really are giants.

Timely and timeless in equal measure, Tomorrowland is a high point in Bird’s career. It won’t change the future, but people will look up and be inspired and that’s enough.

RATING: 5/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Britt Robertson, George Clooney, Raffey Cassidy, Hugh Laurie, Tim McGraw, Pierce Gagnon

DIRECTOR: Brad Bird

WRITERS: Brad Bird, Damon Lindelof, Jeff Jensen

SYNOPSIS: A teen bursting with scientific curiosity and a former boy-genius inventor seek out the secrets of a place hidden in time and space.

A screening of Tomorrowland: A World Beyond was kindly provided by Walt Disney Pictures and DDA Event Management.