Review: In Search of Tomorrow
In my review three years back of “In Search of Darkness: A Journey into Iconic 80s Horror“, I mentioned that I’m always a bit hesitant to add any fuel to the flame of the hyperbolic inferno that sometimes is 80s nostalgia.
However, you also have to give credit where it’s due and once again, “In Search of Tomorrow,” the third film from director (and frequent Pod Stallions guest) David Weiner, accomplishes the goal of making you realize how impactful the 80s were to the genre. With hindsight, we can learn that we were in a golden age, an embarrassment of riches.
While the film notably discusses the blockbuster franchises of the era like “Back to the Future,” “Star Trek” and “Predator,” the same respect is given to smaller films like “The Quiet Earth” and “Outland.”
Thanks to crowdfunding and having no studio masters, ISOT can be super-sized. Which, for me, is a good thing. Its length allows the decade’s most influential and exciting films (sorry, America 3000, maybe there will be a sequel) to be adequately discussed and analyzed. However, when you see the vast amount of movies not being discussed in its nearly 5-hour runtime, you gain proper perspective in the enormous output of this decade.
Like the other films in the “In Search of” series, it lays out all the subject matter like a video store that you wish was in your neighbourhood. The film has the same satisfying flow that never lingers on a subject too long or too briefly.
The film features commentary and interviews from genre notables such as Peter Weller, Billy Dee Williams, Joe Dante, Julie Brown, Jesse Ventura, Will Wheaton and Pod Stallions co-host Jason Lenzi, to name but a few.
Along the way, memorable SF subjects and themes such as soundtracks, world-building and cautionary tales are interjected into the film, providing a critical pallet cleanser.
In the same way, the “In Search of Darkness” films turned my head; I now believe the 80s SF era rivals the 1950s. My conclusion was reached by watching the film layout the evidence without aggrandizing it. It’s an objective look at the era, and I respect that.
Also, as an aside, when I started watching, my first thought was, “I hope this mentions Mac & Me!” and I’m happy to report they didn’t forget.
I hope there is a part 2 to the film as I was left wanting more.
To order In Search of Tomorrow through March 27th, visit www.80sscifidoc.com. The package includes choice of Blu-ray or DVD plus slipcover, digital download of the film, three exclusive In Search of Tomorrow posters, a sticker pack, and a credit in the film.
This limited edition set includes both books, all six magazines (with available premiums) and a Captain Canuck action figure. It’s a $150 value for a great price. I only can make six of these, so don’t wait.
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