This was the first of a series of disasster films that the rest tried to ride the coattails of... They didn't quite make it, and the backlash did a disservice to this movie.
A bit better than Armageddon, his lil bro. But I dunno which studio stole the idea to the other, anyway, when they steal ideas to make 2 good movies instead of 1, it's ok.
Came out around the same time as Armageddon, if I remember. Found this the more emotionally wracking of the two. Both have made me stare at the sky more suspiciously when I hear an asteroid is nearing.
In a year that brought two asteroid-on-a-collision-course with Earth disaster movies to our screens, 'Deep Impact' certainly holds its own against the ridiculous, atrocious 'Armageddon', a film so inept and illogical it makes this picture seem perfectly plausible. Fair enough intelligence is by no means the films strong point, but director Mimi Leder has managed to craft an entertaining action-flick built around standard formula.
The film begins introducing various characters, all of whom will face some kind of peril in their own internal stories that parallel the countdown to the Earth's destruction. Tea Leoni is adequate and sometimes endearing as reporter Jenny Lerner, estranged from her father and aiding her mother (Vanessa Redgrave) through an uncomfortable divorce. Young astronomer club member Leo (Elijah Wood) is the first to spot the comet on the horizon, and when information is passed to the President (a stoic and suitable Morgan Freeman) an Extinction Level Event is declared, somewhat unremarkably.
The individual tales all work, but are neither compelling nor emotionally involving. Redgrave's scenes hold certain poignancy and with better material she could have made a strong impression, but they are diluted and complete all too soon. So as the comet the size of Texas hurtles toward Earth, something like suspense begins to occupy the picture and our focus.
An astronaut team is eventually sent out to destroy the comet, and 'Deep Impact' definitely offers a gentler take than the kick-arse heroes of Michael Bay's film. The special effects here are mind-blowing, and a sense of impending doom certainly bumps up the adrenaline. Characters aren't exactly full of depth, but interesting enough that we don't mind witnessing their various fates unfold. Philosophically, however, 'Deep Impact' severley underperforms. It has the chance to talk of bigger things, but settles with the shallow and unmoving instead.
Everything about 'Deep Impact' is predictable, mediocre and routine, but it has charm and patience with its material. It doesn't reduce its characters to clichés although they are far from insightful, and Leder's direction shows a certain level of skill. I wasn't moved or shaken by any of it but this is strictly popcorn entertainment, and on that basis it works fine - just without leaving much of a lasting impression.
Its the end of the world and everyone is thinking what to do with the rest of their short lives... Alright made movie, and it was pretty good; could have been much better though
In what seemed like the age of disaster films (Armageddon came out around the same time), Deep Impact is about a comet headed for earth. A great cast in this film. Some intense scenes.
Well, serious amateur astronomers flashing white lights all over the place, an unmodified telescope with a field of over 10 degrees, and so forth and so forth. Scientifically speaking, this movie is a disaster. But it is science fiction, so I suppose some leeway should be permitted. It has reasonable action and fairly ordinary acting, but if you have nothing better to watch, it is okay.
Two teenager astronomy-club members, Leo Biederman (Elijah Wood) & Sarah Hotchner (Leelee Sobieski). Dr. Marcus Wolf (Charles Martin Smith) realizes the comet will hit Earth & attempts to alert his colleagues leaving the observatory. . U.S. President Tom Beck (Freeman) announces the comet, named "Wolf-Biederman." Leo gets permission to marry Sarah to save her and her family.
One of the first disaster films I ever saw, I was pleased that the disaster actually happened. Sounds odd, I know, but it tells a great tale about how the disaster is dealt with and measures that humans take to survive. Excellent.
In 1998, it was all about asteroids or comets hitting Earth. This less flashy movie is actually ten times better than Armageddon actually. It's worth renting, or even owning. A comet is about to pound the planet to bits and the humans must run for cover.
That huge wave is something different, but they could have made a whole different movie out of that. They didn't need to struggle against Armageddon. At least Ms. Leoni dies, all the while taking it like a really trooper.
I love films involving natural massacres like this! Love how the romance was weaved into the storyline as well. He was so nice staying behind to get her!
the counter film to armageddon....this one being a very depp,emtional ride with a whole different outlook on life and our world.in a way its better than armageddon because it deals with real people and real issues and problems that would or could happen if this did happen.
it does make u think as u watch..what would u do? would u live or die? its quite strong and hits u without knowing.it makes u think long after the credits roll...and thats a good film.the cast make it happen very well too..especially morgan as the president.small individual stories that have different outcomes on impact...tea leoni probably having the most common story people would relate to.....yr loved ones. its quitea sad film really...excellent and thoughtful.
One of my all time favorite disaster movies. I cried when the reporter & her dad awaited the first tidal wave off the NC coastline .. knowing certain death lay ahead.
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