Movie spotlight
The Future Is Now!
A journalist meets “Man of Today” who, while a responsible citizen, is disengaged from greater society. He believes once he’s dead nothing more matters. As an experiment to see if she can turn his pessimistic view around, the journalist sends him on a journey of enlightenment to prove that the future does matter. Travelling the globe, he finds himself in surprising encounters with great minds in the arts and sciences. Starting with an unexpected poetry reading and conversation with experimental poet Christian Bök, Man of Today engages with architect Shigeru Ban, activist Francis Dupuis-Déri, philosopher Alain de Botton, artist Marlene Dumas, novelist Rivka Galchen, leading scientists and a ghost. Will the journalist succeed in turning a cynic into an optimist? Will it matter? What can one person do?
Insights
Plot Summary
In this satirical send-up, a brilliant but eccentric scientist invents a time machine. However, his malfunctioning device accidentally sends a bumbling historian and a group of unlikely companions hurtling through various historical eras. They must navigate through time, encountering historical figures and bizarre situations, all while trying to find their way back to the present.
Critical Reception
The film received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics and audiences alike, with many citing its nonsensical plot, dated humor, and reliance on lowbrow gags. It is largely considered a commercial and critical failure.
What Reviewers Say
Widely panned for its juvenile and unfunny humor.
Criticized for a weak and incoherent script.
Considered a significant misstep for its veteran comedic actors.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'The Future Is Now!' was extremely poor. Viewers frequently described the film as painfully unfunny, with a plot that made little sense and relied heavily on tired comedic tropes. Many expressed disappointment, particularly given the involvement of established comedic talent.
Fun Fact
Despite its release in 2011, much of the film's humor and style feel reminiscent of much earlier Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker comedies, contributing to its dated reception.
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