Brad Bird‘s latest action adventure is possibly his most complex, as he builds an intricate world with tons of “wow” moments – only matched by the same quantity of “oh, this could have been better” moments.

I loved Tomorrowland, even though I sighed nearly as often as I smiled with giddiness. The level of detail and consideration Bird and his production team put into Disney’s sci-fi flick speak to the genius of the group on board. But there could have been too many cooks in this kitchen – or rather, too many crafty individuals on set.

What made Tomorrowland work, where did it suffer, and what aspects could have lent themselves to opportunities that were sadly not embraced? Here is my rundown.

May 23rd, 2010 marked the end of one of the most talked about shows on television – ABC’s LOST. Created by JJ Abrams, Damon Lindelof, and Jeffrey Lieber, this supernateral, mystical, mythological, theological, science fictional drama relied on flashbacks and eventual flashforwards, mixed with the present, to tell watercooler television. When it ended 5 years ago today, it sparked outrageous controversy, reminiscient of the outcry at The Sopranos ending, three years before. Still today (and I think it still will be 20 years from now), there remains such a divide between those who loved and those who hated the series, especially that unexpected ending. For the most part, the majority of viewers tend to land on one side of endings – Dexter, most hated, while Sons Of Anarchy, most loved. Not so with this show.

Which side did you fall on?

Tomorrowland opens this week and for the intrigued who aren’t Disney Geeks, many questions have been asked about the mysteries of the film named after the land in the theme parks. And no, it doesn’t tell the tale of how much better it is to get a fast pass for Space Mountain than stand in line. The picture is the optimistic story of a young girl (Britt Robertson), who discovers a pin that transports her to a world of infinite possibilities, and enlists the jaded inventor (George Clooney) to find a way there and unlock their destinies. Director Brad Bird, star George Clooney and writers Damon Lindelof and Jeff Jensen, shared the origin of the ideas behind the film, and the mark it strives to leave in Disney’s legacy.

Tomorrowland
Directed by Brad Bird
Written by: Damon Lindelof, Brad Bird, and Jeff Jensen
Starring George Clooney, Britt Robertson, Hugh Laurie, Raffey Cassidy
Disney Pictures
Rated PG | Run Time 130 Minutes
Release Date: May 22, 2015

The mystery finally unfolds with the release of Disney’s Tomorrowland. Taking its name from the area in both California’s and Florida’s Disney theme parks, the speculation ends here in regards to whether the film is clever advertising, or a picture that speaks to the legacy of Walt Disney’s dreams for a sustainable world created by the world’s greatest minds. Jensen and Lindelof based the film on an idea of Disney’s original concept plans for an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, but with an added narrative based around the story of girl genius Casey (Britt Robertson), who finds a pin that shows her a futuristic place where it’s fun to do the impossible. After some internet research and nudging by an animatronic A.I. child named Athena (Raffey Cassidy), Casey arrives at the front door of former boy genius and inhabitant of Tomorrowland Frank Walker (George Clooney). Unable to convince him to show her the way to the place where rockets still fly and progress blooms, Walker gives in when secret animatronic agents are sent to eradicate them and attack his home. Also, this happens just as Casey discovers one of his inventions that forecasts the end of their world, and has a countdown ticking down the days. Before she finishes berating him for sitting there and doing nothing, they flee the happiest blaster-touting robots you’ve ever seen. And along with Athena, who reveals that something is broken in Tomorrowland, Casey and Frank discover that their creative minds make them dangerous to whatever took over the wonderful place, as they may be the only ones able to save it and the world.

Disney has released the third and final trailer for The Incredibles and Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol director Brad Bird‘s Tomorrowland.

Written by Damon Lindelof, the film centers on a troubled teen (Britt Robertson) who shares an affinity for scientific curiosity with a curmudgeon (George Clooney).

We also have confirmation that there will be a special presentation of the film attached to all of the Avengers: Age of Ultron IMAX screenings. Hit the jump for more on that and the trailer.