Future '38

Future '38 is a captivating, brightly colorful, and zany science fiction comedy film directed and written by Jamie Greenberg. Released in 2017, the movie features a stellar lineup of talented actors including Betty Gilpin, Nick Westrate, Ethan Phillips, Robert John Burke, and Sean Young. The film is a wonderful blend of comedy, romance, cleverly thought-provoking moments, and an intriguing retro-futuristic aesthetic that promises to engage viewers from start to finish.

The storyline of Future '38 is a unique and entertaining spin on classic time travel tropes and narratives. The movie begins in 1938, where an American government agent named Essex (played by Nick Westrate) is sent on a mission to the future to prevent World War II from happening. His mission is to retrieve an isotope called Formica, which, in theory, has the potential capacity to generate enough power to create an atomic bomb.

However, the twist in the story is that Essex doesn't land in the future we might expect - he lands in 2018, as envisioned by people living in the 1930s - a world filled with dazzling, Art-Deco inspired technology, futuristic fashion, and a noir-inspired backdrop, providing an absurd and nostalgic sense of humor throughout the film.

As Essex tries to navigate this strange future world, he encounters interesting characters that add to the humor, intrigue, and romance of the storyline. One of these characters is Banky, played by the Soup Nazi actor, Larry Thomas, who is the telegram-style communicator of the future, while another is Actor, a Robot Bartender, portrayed by Ethan Phillips.

Meanwhile, glamorous femme fatale, Banky (Betty Gilpin), provides not only a potential love interest for Essex but also an extra layer of complication to his mission. Gilpin does an excellent job of making the dialogue seem natural and infusing her character with grace, strength, and wit. Her interactions with Westrate are a mix of flirtatious banter, tension, and unmistakable chemistry that keeps audiences engrossed and invested.

Underneath its playful exterior, Future '38 subtly explores themes around the role of technology in society, the potential dangers of unchecked scientific advancement, and the personal sacrifices that often accompany heroic endeavors. It also interrogatively delves into the era’s social norms, stereotypes, and expected gender roles.

The film provides constant features that will tickle those fond of 'retro' touches: telephones have circular dials that operate like rotary phones but shine with digital lights; computers work with big punch cards; people use light bulb encrusted devices to receive video messages; and 'Facsimiles' are popular, imagine Skype, but printed on paper.

The cinematography, from its rich, popping colors to its wonderfully stylized aesthetic, is nothing short of stunning. The sets are finely crafted, demonstrating an impressive attention to detail and a true prowess for world-building. The costumes maintain the retro-futurism theme with '30s fits merged with a twist of the future.

Future '38's score offers excellent support to the narrative – an effective blend of swing, jazz, and futuristic tones – creating an immersive audio atmosphere that transports the audience into its universe.

Moreover, Future '38 represents an excellent blend of intelligence and humor that effectively cater to both science fiction fans and general viewers looking for a unique, engaging romp. It's filled with witty dialogue, hilarious moments, smart concepts, and plenty of good-old-fashioned film charm.

Lastly, in the heap of the ever-growing genre of time-travel movies, Future '38 stands as a creative and clever romp with a healthy respect for classics from which it borrows. Its satirical yet playful approach to the theme of time travel results in a thoroughly entertaining and memorable cinematic experience. To sum it up, Future '38 is an ambitious film with a distinctly individual voice, a comical and engaging story, and a great cast of characters that offer enough refreshing quirks to keep viewers captivated right through the end.