The Last Mimzy (Motion Picture)

Shayne, Bob. (Director). The Last Mimzy. (DVD). New Line Cinema, 2007. Running time 96 min.

Plot Summary
The story begins in the future with a teacher telling her students about a time where humans were too dependent on technology and had lost their humanity. To save the future, a scientist their last chance, the last mimzy, back in time. Emma and her brother Noah find a mysterious box filled with toys while vacationing on the beach. Inside is a stuffed rabbit which Emma calls Nimzy, as well as some rocks that float and a glowing cube. With the toys, the kids can manipulate their surroundings, making things float and move through the air. Emma can talk to Mimzy. When the toys begin to glow and cause half of the state to lose power, Noah worries that they might be dangerous. Homeland Security, investigating the power outage tracks the family down, but by this time Emma is convinced that she must save Mimzy.



Critical Evaluation
The basic outline of the story is not particularly new. Someone (or something) is sent from the future and needs the help of someone special to save humanity.This is the plot of The Matrix, or Terminator. But unlike those movies, the future has lost its humanity so the future is saved through non-violent means. I also liked the incorporation of mandalas. Naming the rabbit Mimzy, after the word "mimsy" in Through the Looking Glass gave the story the perception of continuity, making the story feel epic even though its not. The acting was surprisingly well done and the production quality was high. 

Readers Annotations
When a brother and sister find a mysterious box on the beach, the toys inside give them magical powers. The stuffed rabbit, named Mimzy is the key to saving future humanity but the siblings are unsure what the rabbit is asking of them.

Information About the Author
Robert Shane is a film producer, director or actor. He is also the co-founder of the film production and distribution company New Line Cinema.

Genre
Science Fiction

Curriculum Ties
Concepts of Utopian Society

Booktalking Ideas
The progression of skills the toys give the kids

Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 3-6

Controversial Subject Matter and Defense of Ideas
none

Why Book Included
The previews looked intriguing.