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The script is preposterous, the story is outlandish, and you can’t believe what’s going on because the dialogue is undeniably kooky. That’s the honest and sad truth, which comes close to destroying the film. And what is maddening is that you find great actors around every corner who can’t do a thing with their lines. I’m surprised they could keep straight faces most of the time.
But I couldn’t help but get caught up in the madness and the suspense because it’s really good entertainment. The storms look real and add tremendously to the action sequences. And through these scenes, I can’t help but be reminded of disaster films that have come and gone. There’s been “Armageddon” and “Deep Impact” (which came out quite close to each other), and the stupidity of films like “The Core” that contradict themselves over and over again. The difference is that this film at least tries to convince us that what is happening is real. (It actually turns out to be a bunch of bull that we don’t understand and so we just accept it.)
Emmerich has become sort of the master of the creature/disaster films. He’s responsible for “Independence Day” and “Godzilla”, but chose to stay away from the genre after his success on “The Patriot” that turned out to be a great film. But after thinking about the concept, he decided to make just one more. So savor every explosion and snowflake, every computer generated sky-scraper and ice storm, because it’s likely that this will be the last time that we see it to this scope.
As for casting, it could’ve been better. Dennis Quaid is one of my favorite actors, but had absolutely nothing plausible to say in the film. As for his son, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, the character is well developed and easily understood, but still rather clichéd (get used to it, the movie is filled with them). But I enjoyed his performance because Gyllenhaal is so natural, and swiftly becoming one of the better young talents in the business. Mr. Gyllehaal, what happened to the “October Sky” days, huh?
All in all, Emmerich’s daring attempt at good entertainment never ceases to amaze me. He’s an entrepreneur of the genre. And no matter how much you think the film is horrible, it will probably take hold somewhere and you’ll be wanting to curl up in a blanket before the end. ***