Slumberland

November 9th, 2022 / Kevin Ward

“Slumberland” is a delightful family fantasy with a touching emotional storyline. The main character, Nemo (played by Marlow Barkley), has lost her father and is now raised by her estranged uncle Phillip (played by Chris O'Dowd). In her quest to see her father again, even if only in her dreams, Nemo befriends a thief named Flip (played by Jason Momoa). Together, they explore various dreamscapes, searching for a legendary treasure that can grant wishes. 

Momoa's portrayal of the thief is reminiscent of Jack Sparrow from “Pirates of the Caribbean,” which adds a fun element to this swashbuckling adventure. However, the film's most touching moments occur between Barkley and O'Dowd as they deal with their grief. 

While “Slumberland” heavily relies on noticeable computer-generated effects, the aesthetic perfectly captures the whimsy and wonder of the dreamscapes. I was pleasantly surprised and captivated throughout the film. Although it may not appeal to those who only consume adult-centered content, I have yet to see a better all-ages film than “Slumberland” this year.

— 3.5 / 5 ⭐

  • Director: Francis Lawrence

  • Written by: David Guion, Michael Handelman

  • Cast: Jason Momoa, Marlow Barkley, Kyle Chandler, Chris O’Dowd, India de Beaufort, Humberly González, Weruche Opia

  • Producer: Peter Chernin

  • Runtime: 117 minutes

  • Rated: PG