Cast: John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, Oliver Platt, Woody Harrelson, Danny Glover, Jimi Mistry, Zlato Buric Director: Roland Emmerich Screenplay: Roland Emmerich & Harald Kloser Cinematography: Dean Semler Music: Harald Kloser & Thomas Wander
I was awaiting this film for a while now because like many others, I had been fascinated by the many debates on the subject of apocalypse. Besides, I have always enjoyed disaster movies with an ‘end of the world’ theme, so I was eagerly looking forward to this experience (not to mention that I love John Cusack!)
So the story goes that Jackson Curtis (John Cusack), a broke writer who works part time writer and part time parent to his kids, Noah and Lilly, attempts to bond with them over a camping trip at Yellowstone park (World’s largest volcano waiting to erupt!). Meanwhile, elsewhere Adrian (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a scientist with the White House who has recently discovered that Yellowstone is going to erupt and would result in the Armageddon. He along with some prominent world leaders are secretly working on a project ship like the Noah's ark, which will help save a few from the great apocalypse. But, unfortunately, the membership to the ship is limited to a select few who can afford its expensive fee and is unwary to the knowledge of the common man.
When Jackson learns of this truth, it is already too late and he must work fast to get his family on to that ship. Most of the movie is a 'will he, won't he' situation with really cool special effects.
Well, I'll be honest with you (without ruining the movie story), the movie probably wasn't the best disaster movie, neither did the story have much to do with the 2012 mystery, and there were some serious unanswered questions regarding the Armageddon theory, but all in all, watching the movie was a very wholesome entertaining experience. In a word, the movie was very 'filmy' - there was action, laughter, life threatening escapes, some romance, a some drama, and a little bit of everything else. If you have seen enough Bollywood films you'll know what I am talking about.
An example of a very average storyline enhanced by good script work (There are some really funny lines and moments in the film!) Although, there are some really good action scenes and admirable special effects, Roland Emmerich's direction has begun to leave its trademark. A really splendid job by the technical crew in every department, right from the cinematography to the sound editing.
Acting is just about above average by most of the crew with special mentions to Oliver Platt, Woody Harrelson, Zlato Buric and John Cusack, of course.
And although, I must warn you that the movie might not live up to it hype (the things intelligent marketing can do these days!), it is definitely worth one watch in the theatres.
Final Verdict: A fun rollercoaster ride with some great special effects & good humor.
Grade: B
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An enjoyable rollercoaster ride.
