Lost In Space MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -1/2

This action packed, spectacular space drama is based on a popular 1960's TV series. Updated with amazing high-tech special effects, it portrays the heart pounding adventure of the Robinson family who are launched into space in 2058 A.D. to colonize a distant planet. But their guidance system is sabotaged by an arch rival and they must find a way to get back on course. The family is headed by scientist John Robinson (William Hurt), accompanied by his wife Maureen(Mimi Rogers), their older daughter Judy (Heather Graham) and their adolescent son and daughter, Will and Penny (Jack Johnson and Lacey Chabert). Their spaceship, which is piloted by Don West(Matt LeBlanc), a dashing young fighter pilot, survives the sabotage attempt, but the Robinson family and West find themselves caught up in a whole string of perilous events. Among these is a struggle to keep from being drawn into the Sun's gravitational pull, an encounter with alien spiders on an abandoned spaceship, a crash landing on an frigid planet racked by earthquakes, and an agonizing decision relating to time travel. This fast-paced adventure with its sensational special effects will undoubtedly appeal to teens and younger adults, although its science fiction story line is rather conventional.

The film is refreshing, though, since it is developed around a family who shares a strong love and loyalty. However, scientist John Robinson has little time to devote to his children, particularly his talented young son. The action in the film hardly ever lets up, with space battles, hand fighting, shooting threats and attacks by giant spiders making for a very intense adventure. A number of space ships and other objects are destroyed and an evil man turns into a vicious, grotesque monster who threatens to kill and destroy. West is attracted to Judy and he subtly proposes sex to her one evening, but she refuses. He later apologizes to her. The dialogue is relatively free of foul language, but four S-words are inserted into the dialogue, one of them spoken by young Will. But he is admonished not to use obscene language again. LOST IN SPACE has far fewer offensive elements than most PG-13 films and, if it weren't for its limited number of obscenities and frequent mild crude language, would win our wholehearted recommendation.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: New Line Cinema, 888 7th Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10106