Category: Uncategorized

Today’s quick review: The Day After Tomorrow. Jack Hall (Dennis Quaid), an obstreperous climatologist, has his worst fears realized when the effects of global warming cause a sudden shift in the North Atlantic Current, triggering a series of tidal waves, blizzards, and tornadoes worldwide. As the United States government tries to cope with the emergency, Jack braves the weather to reach New York and rescue his teenage son Sam (Jake Gyllenhaal).

The Day After Tomorrow is a science fiction disaster thriller about global warming run amok. Dennis Quaid stars as Jack Hall, a scientist whose warnings go unheeded until it is too late. The Day After Tomorrow features spectacle on a massive scale as the world’s cities are battered by storms and flooding. But the movie makes missteps with its characters and story, making it a hit-or-miss film that has a hard time getting traction.

The Day After Tomorrow suffers from two main problems: a dearth of likable characters, and a conflicted premise. Jack Hall is supposed to carry the movie, but his character falls short. His warnings are meant to be prophetic, but his overly abrasive personality makes it easier to side with his critics. The other characters do not fare much better, with only Sam showing the resourcefulness and strength of character to feel worthwhile.

The other major issue is that The Day After Tomorrow gets caught between science and fiction. The movie attempts to dramatize a real-world issue by increasing the stakes and accelerating the timeline to fit within a disaster framework. But by doing so, it undermines its own foundations. The exaggerations make its theoretical foundation less credible, while the connection to the real world hamstrings the audience’s suspension of disbelief.

For all of its narrative faults, The Day After Tomorrow is still technically sound. The scenes that are meant to be dramatic are dramatic, the weather phenomena are suitably intense, and the challenge of survival gives the characters enough to keep them busy. Ultimately, how much you get out of the movie will come down to how much you are willing to invest in its premise. Approach with caution.

For a more comfortably fictitious disaster movie about a global weather catastrophe, check out Geostorm. For a more modestly scoped disaster movie about massive storms, try Twister. For dystopian science fiction that explores similar political themes in a different way, try Snowpiercer. For a different flavor of disaster movie that lionizes scientists, try Contagion. For a zombie movie set in the ruins of New York, check out I Am Legend.

[6.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0319262/). I give it a 6.0 for decent execution marred by questionable narrative choices.

Today’s quick review: The Day the Earth Stood Still. When an energy sphere lands in Manhattan and disgorges Klaatu (Keanu Reeves), an alien in the form of a human, the United States government calls in astrobiologist Helen Benson (Jennifer Connelly) to help investigate. But when Secretary of Defense Regina Jackson (Kathy Bates) orders a hostile interrogation of the visitor, Helen follows her instincts and helps Klaatu escape custody.

The Day the Earth Stood Still is a science fiction movie about an alien who has come to render judgment on humanity. Keanu Reeves stars as Klaatu, a cold but rational visitor who befriends Helen and her stepson Jacob (Jaden Smith). Jennifer Connelly plays opposite him as Helen, one of the few humans to meet Klaatu with kindness. They are joined by a quietly impressive cast that includes John Cleese, Jon Hamm, and James Hong.

The Day the Earth Stood Still takes a different tack from the 1951 original. Modern special effects beef up the action and make Klaatu’s arrival more eerie. In addition, Helen plays a more active role in the story, Klaatu is less partial to humanity, and the specifics of Klaatu’s mission have changed. All of this leads to a darker and more dramatic film, one where humanity’s many mistakes are about to catch up with it.

Unfortunately, The Day the Earth Stood Still does not balance its drama correctly. Klaatu is indifferent to the fate of mankind, and Jacob is still bitter over the death of his father, leaving Helen as the sole ray of light. In spite of a decent performance from Jennifer Connelly, the character is not up to the task. Ultimately, The Day the Earth Stood Still is missing the humanity and warmth needed to make its story resonate.

The Day the Earth Stood Still will be an interesting pick for some science fiction fans, but its pessimistic tone and superficial treatment of a deep philosophical question make it a mixed bag at best. Give it a shot if you are curious to see a modern take on classic sci-fi speculation. Skip it if you are looking for either all-out action or an insightful examination of humanity.

For a cleaner and more enduring take on the same premise, try the original version of The Day the Earth Stood Still. For a more thoughtful tale of first contact with some of the same elements, try Arrival. For another dire prediction for humanity’s future, try Knowing. For a more introspective visit from an alien, try K-PAX. For an animated sci-fi adventure about a dangerous visitor from the stars, try The Iron Giant.

[5.5 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0970416/). I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for a promising setup that falls flat.

Today’s quick review: The Day the Earth Stood Still. The world is stunned when Klaatu (Michael Rennie), a human-like alien, emerges from a spaceship in Washington, D.C. After failing to deliver an important message to the leaders of Earth, Klaatu escapes from military custody to see how humanity lives. Wandering the streets of Washington, Klaatu befriends Helen Benson (Patricia Neal), a young widow, and her son Bobby (Billy Gray).

The Day the Earth Stood Still is a classic science fiction movie about an alien visitor who brings a dire warning for humanity. The film represents speculative fiction at its purest. Klaatu is a wise and peaceful alien who is met with hostility and suspicion when he lands on Earth. However, he finds the good in people when he meets the Bensons, resulting in a short but earnest friendship while Klaatu tries to get his message to the world.

The Day the Earth Stood Still asks a simple question: Is humanity ready for the future ahead of it? Nearly everything in the movie is geared towards answering that question, from the touchy response of the military to the range of reactions exhibited by ordinary people. The Day the Earth Stood Still handles its subject matter well, with cleanly drawn characters, a tense situation, and a careful examination of the best and worst of humans.

Still, The Day the Earth Stood Still has a few limitations, depending on what your expectations are. The special effects are fairly plain by modern standards, although they work well in context. The action is limited to a few key moments that are narratively appropriate. The story is short and to the point. And while the film offers hints about the world beyond our own, it only provides the information necessary for the plot.

Not everyone will appreciate what The Day the Earth Stood Still has to offer, but its vivid premise and crisp execution make it a classic of the genre. Give it a shot if you are interested in a philosophical story about an alien encounter without the usual distractions. Skip it if you are looking for raw spectacle or action.

For a classic movie that examines human society in a similar way, try Born Yesterday, The Bishop’s Wife, or Harvey. For a modern take on the same story, try The Day the Earth Stood Still, starring Keanu Reeves. For a family-friendly sci-fi adventure about a boy who befriends a visitor from outer space, try The Iron Giant or E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

[7.8 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043456/). I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for a simple but iconic story.

Today’s quick review: Knowing. John Koestler (Nicolas Cage), an astrophysics professor at MIT, has his entire worldview turned upside-down when his son Caleb (Chandler Canterbury) finds a sheet of numbers that correspond to a series of disasters. As John deciphers the code, he becomes convinced that the numbers predict three disasters that have yet to happen, and he risks everything to try to stop them.

Knowing is a sci-fi disaster thriller from director Alex Proyas. A professor who does not believe in fate finds disturbing evidence that a calamitous future is set in stone. Knowing draws on elements of horror, the disaster genre, and far-flung science fiction to tell the story of one man’s fight against prophecy. This unique blend of influences gives Knowing its own niche, but it also results in a passive and somewhat disjointed story.

Knowing has some nice features, even if they do not always complement each other. The disasters that John witnesses are vivid and memorable, taking advantage of modern special effects to convey the scope of what is at stake. The rules of the prophecy are an interesting plot hook, especially as John wrestles with what he has found. The movie also keeps several mysteries going at once, pulling the plot in a different direction as they resolve.

Knowing’s main shortcoming is that it is indirect. The setup is played like a horror movie, with menacing presentation and disturbing questions that remain unanswered, but there are very few actual scares. The looming catastrophe affords John very little counterplay, so all he can do is decipher the clues and hope for a way to change fate. The result is a passive mystery whose answers veer into different territory than what came before.

Give Knowing a shot if you are in the mood for something dark and a little offbeat. Knowing tries something different with the way it sets up its mystery, and while this robs the movie of some of its direct impact, it lets the movie play with ideas that would normally be out of scope for its setup. Still, Knowing’s story is not as easy to get into as some other movies, and neither its characters nor its payoff are enough to fill the gap.

For a more artful science fiction mystery from the same director, try Dark City. For a darker, more personal thriller about a portent of the future, try Premonition. For a less polished sci-fi movie about a man who receives unearthly premonitions, try Terminus. For a more proactive Nicolas Cage movie about changing the future, try Next. For a sci-fi thriller that deals with similar themes of belief, try Signs.

[6.2 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448011/). I give it a 6.5 for an unsettling mystery that reaches a little too far.

Today’s quick review: The Poseidon Adventure. When an earthquake triggers a wave that capsizes the SS Poseidon, the passengers are left trapped on an upside-down ship that’s gradually sinking. Reverend Scott (Gene Hackman), an unconventional preacher, rallies a small group of survivors and makes for the engine room, where he’s confident that they will find their only possible means of escape.

The Poseidon Adventure is a disaster thriller set on a cruise ship that was flipped over by bad management and a freak wave. Eschewing the officers’ recommendations to stay in the main ballroom and wait for help, Mike Rogo (Ernest Borgnine), his wife Linda (Stella Stevens), and half a dozen others throw in their lot with Reverend Scott. The Poseidon Adventure combines a memorable premise with solid delivery and plenty of raw humanity.

Although The Poseidon Adventure has plenty of action, it lets its characters do the heavy lifting. Their feats of exertion and heroism are separated by moments of reflection and reassurance, arguments about whether to put their faith in Scott or Rogo, and uncertain choices with no right answer. These interludes give the audience a chance to connect with the characters, giving the movie a dignity that makes its events all the weightier.

Still, The Poseidon Adventure’s style will not be for everyone. Reverend Scott has a forceful personality. While he takes charge of the survivors and generally makes good decisions, his ego is apparent, and he has to strongarm support from the likes of Rogo. The Poseidon Adventure also has slower pacing and less elaborate effects than its modern brethren, meaning that it relies more on its characters and moral conflicts.

The Poseidon Adventure is a strong pick for anyone willing to give it a chance. The movie does a good job of setting up the scenario gradually, so that when the action comes, it has meaning. At the same time, its insight into human relationships and the best and worst of humanity gives it a depth that other disaster movies have a hard time matching. Skip it if you are looking for an upbeat movie or something with modern special effects.

For a flashier remake with less character grounding, check out Poseidon. For a less action-oriented classic that dives even deeper into the human psyche during a crisis, try The Treasure of the Sierra Madre or The Bridge on the River Kwai.

[7.1 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069113/). I give it a 7.0 for solid character work and a gripping plot.

Today’s quick review: Poseidon. On New Year’s Eve, a massive rogue wave capsizes the luxury cruise ship Poseidon, killing most of its passengers and crew and leaving it floating upside-down in the water. Dylan (Josh Lucas), a pragmatic gambler, and Robert (Kurt Russell), the former mayor of New York, lead a group of survivors on a desperate climb to reach the hull of the ship so they can find a way out.

Poseidon is a disaster thriller set aboard a capsized cruise ship. Among the chaos and the wreckage, a small band of determined survivors search for an exit. Poseidon features robust special effects that capture the magnitude of the disaster, a cast of resourceful characters, and a knack for tension and pacing. Although Poseidon has some limits to what it can do, the movie’s solid execution makes it a worthwhile watch.

Poseidon avoids the twin disaster movie traps of unlikable characters and repetitive obstacles. Poseidon’s characters are not perfect, but they hit a sweet spot between vulnerable and competent. The disaster tests them in various ways, but it doesn’t break their resolve. The group also has a couple of nice dynamics within it, such as the tension between Robert, his daughter Jenny (Emmy Rossum), and her boyfriend Chris (Mike Vogel).

Poseidon also scores with its obstacles. The ship capsizing and the internal destruction it causes are visually impressive, and the special effects hold up remarkably well. Poseidon also finds interesting things to do with its premise. The architecture of the ship becomes a deadly obstacle course full of live wires, gas leaks, and flooded compartments, providing enough variety to keep the danger fresh throughout.

The result is a movie that delivers exactly what it promises. Watch Poseidon when you’re in the mood for something thrilling, packed with close calls and tough decisions. The movie does not excel with its story or its characters, but it has the right tools and uses them well. For the original film, check out The Poseidon Adventure. For another disaster movie set at sea from the same director, try The Perfect Storm.

[5.7 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0409182/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for solid execution of an interesting premise.

Today’s quick review: The Perfect Storm. Billy Tyne (George Clooney), a Massachusetts fisherman struggling to make his quota, risks everything when he takes his boat out for one last run before the end of the season. Bobby Shatford (Mark Wahlberg), Dale Murphy (John C. Reilly), and the rest of the crew leave their loved ones behind to go with him, only to run into a devastating hurricane on their way home.

The Perfect Storm is a disaster movie loosely based on a true story. George Clooney stars as the captain of a fishing boat who braves stormy seas to turn around his ailing fortunes. Mark Wahlberg co-stars as a rookie fisherman torn between the sea and his girlfriend Christina (Diane Lane). The movie successfully depicts the dangerous life a fisherman and the fury of a record-breaking storm, but its execution leaves something to be desired.

The Perfect Storm has a few points in its favor. Visually, the movie is impressive. Massive waves, perpetual rain, and the perils of a fishing boat all come to life in a vivid way. The movie also captures the more ordinary aspects of a fisherman’s life, from the long trips away from home to the hard and uncertain work required to catch the fish. Meanwhile, the storm is a dramatic enough threat to work as the centerpiece of the film.

Unfortunately, The Perfect Storm lays it on a little thick. The main culprit is an overbearing soundtrack that drowns out the film’s quieter moments and competes with, rather than complements, the intense ones. But even without the soundtrack, The Perfect Storm overplays its hand. The character drama is too transparent and formulaic to be fully effective, while the main action scenes drag on long enough that they lose their impact.

The Perfect Storm delivers on action and spectacle, but its best moments have a hard time standing out. If you are in the mood for something more realistic than the average disaster movie, The Perfect Storm is a fine pick. Its cast, subject matter, and visuals all give it a decent foundation. But issues with its character work, pacing, and presentation make it a frustrating pick for the wrong viewer. Approach with caution.

For another Mark Wahlberg movie based on real events, try Patriots Day. For a very different story of survival at sea, try Cast Away. For a more contrived but more fun disaster movie about a record-breaking storm, try Twister.

[6.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0177971/). I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for compelling material that doesn’t reach its full potential.

Today’s quick review: Twister. Bill Harding (Bill Paxton) gets drawn back into the world of storm chasing when he visits his wife Jo (Helen Hunt) to get her to finalize their divorce. With his flustered fiance Melissa (Jami Gertz) in tow, Bill helps Jo chase down the largest tornado in decades. But to get the readings they need to advance their work, Bill and Jo will have to deliver an experimental device into the eye of the storm.

Twister is an action thriller and disaster movie about two passionate storm chasers who rekindle their relationship while pursuing the biggest break of their careers. Twister dives head-first into the world of tornadoes, assembling a motley team of thrill-seeking meteorologists to conquer a storm of legendary proportions. The movie puts this simple premise to good effect, delivering plenty of spectacle and basic but satisfying character work.

Twister’s best feature is its passion. The movie goes the extra mile to show the appeal of chasing tornadoes, from the grunt work of taking readings and tending to equipment to the raw adrenaline of coming up on a storm. Twister is shameless about putting its characters in harm’s way, pelting them with storm after storm to get every last bit of action out of its premise. The result is a movie that accomplishes exactly what it wants to.

The downside is that Twister gambles big on a couple of key elements. Nearly all of the action revolves around tornadoes. While the tornado footage is impressive to behold and the special effects hold up well, it does get repetitive after a while. The movie also gambles on Bill and Jo, who are together more because they share teh same goals and personality than any real chemistry. This can make their story a little hit-or-miss.

While Twister has a couple of drawabacks, it sets up its story well and executes it cleanly, making it a fine pick for anyone looking for an action flick that opts for storms and destruction over guns and violence. Twister will not resonate strongly with everyone, but it has broad enough appeal to entertain a wide audience. Give it a shot if you’re curious about the premise or just in the mood for some light entertainment.

For an action thriller with a similar attitude, larger stakes, and a sci-fi twist, try Armageddon. For an action movie that uses similar tricks to dramatize a unique line of work, try Cliffhanger, Drop Zone, or Sahara. For an even more sensationalistic thriller about the impacts of weather, try The Day After Tomorrow.

[6.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117998/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for simple but effective spectacle.

Today’s quick review: Deep Impact. Reporter Jenny Lerner (Tea Leoni) stumbles onto the scoop of a lifetime when she pressures President Tom Beck (Morgan Freeman) into revealing the existence of a city-sized comet on a collision course with Earth. As people around the world prepare for the impact, Captain Fish Tanner (Robert Duvall) leads a crew of astronauts on a longshot mission to destroy the comet with nuclear bombs.

Deep Impact is a disaster movie about a comet whose impact could end all life on Earth. The movie follows the government, the press, and the public as they react to the news and prepare for the worst. Deep Impact features a talented cast, a well-crafted story, and a nice mix of large-scale and personal drama. However, its downbeat tone, mediocre characters, and debatable choice of subplots make it a mixed bag.

Deep Impact’s strength lies in its breadth. Deep Impact sets out to cover the impact from as many angles as it can, from the way it forces Jenny to reevaluate her relationship with her parents to the heroic lengths a teenager (Elijah Wood) goes to to protect his girlfriend (Leelee Sobieski). But the standout of the movie is Fish Tanner, the warm and reliable astronaut who represents Earth’s best hope of survival.

However, Deep Impact’s execution is rocky. Many of the characters fail to resonate, turning their subplots into a slog. The pacing of the movie is off: the comet has enough lead time that most of the cast is left waiting around while Tanner’s team take their shot. The tone is uneven, drifting between passive depression and resilient heroism without a clear pattern. The result is watchable but not as impactful as it could have been.

Give Deep Impact a shot when you’re in the mood for a quintessential disaster movie. In spite of its flaws, Deep Impact gets the basics right. Between its cast, some memorable imagery, and some emotional moments that hit the mark, the movie has something to offer. Just approach with caution if you are hoping for a more action-packed disaster movie with a defiant attitude.

For a more action-packed disaster movie with a defiant attitude, check out Armageddon. For a similarly sober disaster movie about a comet hitting the Earth, try Greenland. For a more ridiculous sci-fi disaster movie, try Geostorm or Moonfall.

[6.2 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120647/). I give it a 6.5 for a promising but mishandled story.

Today’s quick review: Greenland. A comet hurtles past the Earth, raining debris into the atmosphere and causing a series of massive impacts across the globe. John Garrity (Gerard Butler), his wife Allison (Morena Baccarin), and their son Nathan (Roger Dale Floyd) are among the few chosen for spots in a government shelter. But when the family is separated in the chaos, John, Allison, and Nathan must each find their own way to safety.

Greenland is a disaster thriller about a family facing the end of the world. As society crumbles around them, John and his family try to make it to Greenland and a government shelter that could be their only hope of survival. Greenland features a strong mix of large-scale calamity and personal drama. Smooth escalation and high tension throughout make it a worthwhile watch in spite of a few imperfections.

Greenland excels at depicting the human side of calamity. From the moment the comet becomes public knowledge, panic seeps into everyone’s actions. The attempts by the government to ensure an orderly evacaution soon break down, and the Garrity family is forced to rely on strangers, some helpful and others dangerous. Finally, while Greenland has a sizable special effects budget, the emphasis is always on the characters.

Still, by virtue of its choices, Greenland will not be for everyone. It lacks the can-do attitude of movies like Armageddon or Moonfall, opting for the tension and pessimism characteristic of the darker side of the disaster genre. The challenges the Garrity family faces are often brutal, showing the best and worst in humanity. Even beyond its drama, some viewers will not like the details of its character work or the way its plot plays out.

Greenland is a solid pick when you’re in the mood for a serious thriller with high stakes. The execution is capable, the conflicts are chosen well, and the characters’ struggles are worth following from start to finish. Just steer clear if you’re looking for something upbeat.

For a disaster thriller in the same vein, try Deep Impact. For a less realistic disaster movie starring Gerard Butler, try Geostorm. For a bleaker and more sinsiter story about the breakdown of society in the face of a catastrophe, try The Mist. For a sci-fi disaster movie with similar plot mechanics, try War of the Worlds. For a more ridiculous disaster movie with a heavier dose of sci-fi, try Moonfall.

[6.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7737786/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for a straightforward plot with effective drama.