Futureworld (1976) – Things had gone horribly, horribly wrong in “Westworld” but the computer geniuses have figured it all out for the new robotic theme worlds, including “Futureworld”. Two reporters (Peter Fonda and Blythe Danner) are looking for a story. Is it a great new amusement or something more sinister? Deep in the bowels of the park, they discover the answer.
Directed by Richard Heffron Starring Peter Fonda, Blythe Danner, Arthur Hill, Stuart Margolin, Yul Brynner
I ended up with so many different feelings about this movie. Right off the bat, it lacks the script or the directorial skills of its predecessor, “Westworld” from 1974. The only returning cast member is Yul Brynner as the iconic Gunslinger, but he’s only in a dream sequence. The pacing is awkward and there’s a pretty thin plot. And I spent the whole movie thinking, “This is just Jurassic Park!”
Yet I enjoyed this.
The first thing to remember is that the first movie was written and directed by Michael Crichton. Produced by MGM it was a financial success and was nominated for Hugo, Nebula, and Saturn awards.
This one was produced by AIP (American International Pictures, whose claims to fame include being the studio that employed Roger Corman) and had a TV director. There is a decided television “feel” to this as well. There’s no chemistry between the two leads, neither of whom is particularly convincing as seasoned reporters. The original movie had a very strong sexual overtone to the purpose of the park, while this one just sort of hints at it. Danner’s character has the tamest “sex dream” you will ever see.
On the other hand, “Futureworld” continued to bring the latest in digital effects to the screen, just like the first movie. The story is silly but it’s a fun kind of silly. When you realize that the movie is supposedly set in the mid-1980s, it’s even funnier. The plot may be thin but it putts right along, and a cast of veteran character actors make it work. They look they were having fun, and it carries the movie. Finally, there is one final, ridiculous but utterly perfect moment right at the end.
It doesn’t try to be any more than what it is. Silly fun. Sometimes that’s what you want. But you should make sure to see “Westworld” to really see the concept in full bloom.
Why I Liked It – It was silly enough to be fun.
Why You Will Like It – Virtually perfect as mindless entertainment.
Rating – *** Worth A Look
Stories Are My Life 
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