The Reel Review
This Netflix reboot of Irwin Allen’s popular late 1960s sci-fi TV series is about a family of Alpha Centauri-bound space colonists who, in the year 2048, crash land on a strange, alien planet filled with unexpected dangers. (Yes, we do hear the famous catch phrase, “Danger, Will Robinson!”)
The series has some impressive visual effects, intriguing flashbacks of prior life back on Earth, a rousing score, and solid performances led by Molly Parker (Deadwood) and Toby Stephens (13 Hours) as the parents of three scientific whiz kids (also heartfully portrayed by Maxwell Jenkins, Taylor Russell and Mina Sundwall), which transports the comically-dated original well into the 21st century in a mash-up of E.T. and Chappie, with a touch of Alien.
Unfortunately, the innovative storyline at the start slips into formulaic, family-friendly, family-in-peril fare halfway through its 10 episodes, with some glaring plot holes, and a distractingly out of place, sociopathic Dr. Smith, portrayed by Parker Posey. At least it is fun and nice to look at.
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