Deep Impact

Not entirely believable, but it's entertaining and has an intelligence to it. Somewhat over sentimental in places, and a few 'honestly, no one would do that' moments of implausibility. But a good cast keeps the action moving along, and it engages right through to the end. Possibly about 20 minutes too long.

It seems 1998 was the year Hollywood turned to the idea of the world being decimated by objects from outer space to fuel their disaster films. Both 'Deep Impact' and 'Armageddon' were released in that year but while I did enjoy the thrill and special effects of the latter film, I find 'Deep Impact' the superior of the two.

The film begins when a teenage amateur astronomer discover a comet on a direct collision course for the Earth. The world is then thrown into turmoil has humanity has to accept their possible extinction. While NASA sends a shuttle up with the intention to try to blow the comet to bits, the US government selects people to be saved in a cave they are building to withstand the event. Focusing on various unrelated characters, the film shows how people react differently to the destruction of all that they know.

The brilliant cast, including Morgan Freeman, Vanessa Redgrave, Robert Devall, Elijah Wood, Ron Eldard and many others, all given great depictions of their characters. It is because of their ability to bring their respective characters to life that 'Deep Impact' stands up so well as it is a very emotional and character driven story, as opposed to 'Armageddon', which relied much more on humour and special effects to sell it. Téa Leoni is the only one who doesn't shine through like her co-stars as her performance is quite bland and doesn't capture her character's turbulent emotions. However, as the rest of the cast give great performances, it's easy to overlook her. And even though there is much attention given to establishing the characters doesn't mean the film skimps when it comes to the special effects. Both the scenes in space and those on Earth when the comet hits the planet are well-handled visually. It features some of the best special effects of planetary annihilation that I've ever seen (and I'm a big fan of these disaster flicks).

What makes 'Deep Impact' rather unique in terms of disaster films is that it gives a very human side to tragedy and devastation by showing how ordinary people cope in times of crisis but it avoids the trap of being trite and overly-sentimental. It's a shame the film is so underrated then as it is a film that would appeal to sci-fi fans and those seeking an interesting story with strong characters.

Oddly enough, I always saw the 1998 movie "Deep Impact" as being somewhat of a subpar natural disaster movie, but each time I watched the movie since 1998, making it about four or five times now, I must admit that the movie had been steadily growing on me.

Why? Well, because the storyline in "Deep Impact" is more than just your run-of-the-mill action-packed natural disaster movie. Writers Bruce Joel Rubin and Michael Tolkin managed to put together a script that provides entertainment well beyond the mindless destruction of meteors crashing into Earth. This is also very much the storyline of hope, love, forgiveness and renewal, and that is what has grown on me over the years.

The acting performances in "Deep Impact" are good, and the cast ensemble is equally good. I mean, with the likes of Robert Duvall, Morgan Freeman, Téa Leoni, Elijah Wood, James Cromwell, Ron Eldard, Jon Favreau, Blair Underwood, Leelee Sobieski and Richard Schiff, then you are in quite capable hands.

The special effects in "Deep Impact" are still actually fairly good today, 26 years after it was initially made. Sure, the CGI looks a bit outdated, but it still serves its intent and purpose.

My rating of "Deep Impact", from director Mimi Leder, lands on a six out of ten stars. And it is a movie well worth watching if you enjoy natural disaster movies.

Discouraged by the bad rep this movie has, especially in relation to its so-called competitor Armageddon, I was lured into watching from a short TikTok clip I had of the presidents initial address to the nation.

While you can only rate movies in whole numbers, it is movies like this that make that frustrating. For me, giving this movie a 9/10 in an understatement. Never have I been moved by a film enough to write a review on IMDb. Without spoiling the narrative, this film may have literally altered my brain chemistry. The value of your loved ones and the value of having purpose in our world is so clearly examined by this piece through the wide array of character relationships.

This movie has moved me to be the best I can, and make an impact in this world that is worth saving.

5.9!? I can't believe that. I know disaster movies are usually crap such as The Day After Tomorrow, Armageddon, Godzilla, Independence Day, etc. This however was not crap. It boasted a fine cast that did great work the standout being Morgan Freeman and Robert Duvall. The rest of the cast though also did quite well. The story was handled in a fairly realistic manner and didn't require me to roll my eyes at the many plot contrivances the way the others I listed did. The only major flaw for me was the casting of tea Leoni. The usually dependable actress was extremely bland in this film. She has done much better work in her career. Despite that flaw this is another fine movie that for some reason is really under rated.