"Don't look!"
This simplistic modern riff on the Swift classic is aimed squarely at the children's market and as a result is harmless, inoffensive and lightweight. Jack Black reins in his usual mugging to give a surprisingly sympathetic performance, as the child-friendly script gives him little opportunity to indulge in excessive dated pop-culture references and forced attempts at physical comedy. The supporting stalwart Brit cast (Billy Connolly, Catherine Tate, Emily Blunt, etc) play it just the right side of panto for the holiday season, and Jason Segel gives an unexpectedly good performance as Black's Lilliputian buddy Horatio. Where this film does score well is visually; use of camera and scale are both frequently interesting to see, even when the rather literal 3D rendering is harsh. Gulliver's Travels is neither exciting nor hilarious to sit through, but passes as well-made, "absolutely satisfactory" viewing that makes little impression overall.
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