Armageddon

Rating:
Summary: Awful Garbage...
Review: Watching "armagedon" was like watching "The Right Stuff" dumbed down for an audience of subhumans.

Bruce Willis ought to be condemned to living out his life in a garbage can for having had anything to do with this rubbish.

I guess if you believe that it'd be easier to train twelve roughnecks to be astronauts than it would be to train twelve astronauts to be oil riggers, then maybe you'll be stupid enough to accept the premise of this peice of unadulterated drivel.

Rating:
Summary: The Moose Hole - 'Armageddon' Rocks the World!
Review: What would you do if you knew that tomorrow the world was going to come to an end? Who would you talk to? What would you accomplish or attempt to accomplish before the end was to come? Where would you place yourself as you waited for that fateful moment to arrive? These are the questions that are constantly ignored within disasters films throughout the history of cinema and most recently in the latest surge of disaster flicks that have ranged from erupting volcanoes to catastrophic natural disasters to world-ending cosmic forces such as asteroids and comets colliding with Earth, thus ending all life on this planet. 1998 was a classic year in which two disaster films faced off against each other within a two month time span dealing with the same basic plot line (space-rock colliding with Earth while a space team tries to prevent such a disaster from occurring) but selling each one in a decidedly different style and audience base. The first was Deep Impact (Dreamworks) which rushed out of the gate with $40 million in its opening weekend but failed to show legs by ending its run with $140 million. Less then two months later, Jerry Bruckheimer set to conquer space with his action-drama, Armageddon, and show how these disasters flicks are to be done correctly.

The story centers around the rag-tag team of "astronauts" that are sent into space to divert a space rock from colliding with Earth, which, in result, would end most life on the planet, if not all. It seems like any other day in New York City ... That is before large explosions occur throughout the city destroying office buildings and towering structures and resulting in the deaths of hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals. The United States Government, believing this to be an attack of terrorism, asks NASA to discover the source of the problem but when they do, they get a decisively different answer then they had ever anticipated. What caused the explosions in New York weren't missiles ... they were small meteorites (about the size of basketballs) that trailed off the enormous asteroid (about the size of Texas) that is on a direct collision course with Earth. With only about two weeks until the asteroid is estimated to hit, NASA brings aboard Harry Stamper, the best deep core driller on the planet, to train astronauts to drill into the asteroid, drop a nuclear device, blow apart the asteroid, and divert the two pieces from colliding with Earth. Claiming he is only the best because he works with the best, Harry forces NASA to recruit his rag-tag team of drillers to fly into space and save the world. But that is easier said then done as they not only face difficulties in the training program but unforeseen tricks that the asteroid throws at the "astronauts" in their attempt to accomplish the task at hand. The story for Armageddon, as outlandish and over-the-top as it may be, works exceedingly well in presenting a combination of fast-paced action sequences, sarcastic and, at times, irreverent humor, and dialed in emotions, even if they may be over played in several moments within the course of the film.

One of the great things that Jerry Bruckheimer films are known for, outside of the well-choreographed explosive action sequences, are his talented group of actors that are brilliantly cast in their roles. And Armageddon once again proves the truth of that statement, despite a few performances here and there that apply to the contrary. Bruce Willis, in the same genre that basically defined him as a key actor in Hollywood, takes center stage in almost every action sequence he's featured in and fills the screen with his sarcastic-toned humor and gritty, rock-solid attitude that works extraordinarily well with his character. Despite this being one of his few major release performances, Billy Bob Thornton still manages to give an excellent performance as the director of NASA who coordinates the mission to save the planet. Though his character isn't featured as much as the others, Thornton still realizes he is a centralized character and the emotions he expresses in his scenes will be needed to reflect the actions that are occurring or will occur later in the feature. Ben Affleck and Liv Tyler are perfect together as the film's romantic couple, though at times Affleck's performance was a tad on the wooden side, of which his acting ability has often been described by critics, but this time that being so only when he was asked to cry and near the end of the film when everyone, not just Affleck, seemed to wind down as the feature wrapped up. And another note ... Never let Affleck sing in a film ever again. Singing is definitely not his strongest talent and he proves that so in this film. And the most notable and worthy highlight of the cast has to be the marvelous, facetious and humorous performance given by Steve Buscemi, who has yet to portray a role that doesn't work for him in the least.

Overall, whatever quips you have with Jerry Bruckheimer, Michael Bay or the disaster genre in general, Armageddon is decisively one of the best action flicks in years and raises the bar for all others like to follow in its footsteps. Though his films are famous for their outlandish action sequences, the combative scenes in this film go beyond the normal expectation ten-times in that their choreography and set up transcend the amazing special effects that are used to execute the sequence. Though there are many things to compliment the filmmakers on in this film, the feature is far from perfect but not so much so that it is an utterly unbearable disaster (no pun intended). At times the situations involved are too unbelievable and far-fetched, though it to be suggested that they may not have been intended to taken seriously in the first place, that it takes away some of the film's credibility. It would have been better if the situations were more down-to-earth (once again, no pun intended) for the audience to take the plot of the film more seriously. And, yes, several moments in the feature are over-drawn and clichéd but with the overall tone of the film being quite entertaining, one can forgive the filmmakers for such mistakes. Clearly if you don't enjoy action films or can bother leaving your head at the door (not entirely but for portions of the film) then Armageddon isn't for you but Bruckheimer flicks have the weird effect of making the most unlikely people fans of his work, so give it a shot before passing judgment.

Rating:
Summary: an incredible release by Criterion
Review: This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD edition of the film.

This is the largest packed special features release by criterion to date at the time of release. Being the case, both the film and the special features will be reviewed.

The film is about Earth being threatened by an asteroid that would cause the end of every life on Earth. There are some opening scenes of a metoer shower over New York City.

Chapter 3 on the DVD is one that some may want to skip. There are two scenes that may hit too close to home for some people. In one scene, a meteor is shown hitting the World Trade Center, and in another scene shows the World Trade Center with the top ¼ of one of the towers destroyed and the rest of it on fire.

The film has good acting with an all-star cast. The movie has some excellent special effects. The film has many errors though. there are too many to mention in less than 1,000 words.

The Criterion edition is a director's cut with scenes not shown in theaters.

The special features are really good. There are 2 discs in this set one of which only has special features. Disc 1 has TWO aduio commentaries. One is with director Michael Bay, actors Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer. The other is with cinematographer John Schwartzman and two scientific consultants. one from Nasa and the other an asteroid expert.

On disc two, there are deleted scenes, outtakes and blooper reel, (You may want to note that the blooper reel contains profanity rarely heard even in some R rated films and will offend some people.), Storyboard images, analysis of Visual effects and production design, Trailers and TV spots, and the music video of the song "Don't want to miss a thing" by Diane Warren and performed by Aerosmith.

Overall this is high quality and is one of the more well-known films that have been given the Criterion treatment.

Rating:
Summary: I don't care what you say this is a well put together film!
Review: Many are say this is a film that drags on to long and doesn't get to the point. If it didn't get the point soon enough the film would be a drag and would never end. Seeing how it ended, it apperently got to the point.

The digital features were amazing, though I must admit the astroid wasn't as real as I expected it to be. The casting director picked an amazing cast, whom worked well together.

The movie was funny, sad, and a enjoyable adventure to save Earth.

Bruce Willis did a wonderful job, and I watch this movie all the time becouse it is an enjoyable film and I recommened to anyone who as not yet seen it to go rent it or watch any way possible because I am sure you will love it!

Rating:
Summary: One of the Fifty Worst Films of All Time...
Review: If you want to see what a lot of people have to say about this film, select "See all reviews" at the bottom of this column, and then when the next page appears, select "lowest reviews first" and hit the "Go" button. Most of these reviewers have said that this is one awful piece of film making much better than I can.

What I want to know, is: Why can't Bruce Willis appear in films with a plot that has some semblance of reality to it? "The Sixth Sense" and "Pulp Fiction" are great films, but then there are films like "Armmagedon", "Tears of the Sun", "Die hard III", "Last Man Standing", "Hart's War" and so on, ad nauseum. If there really was a Hollywood Hall of Shame, Bruce Willis would have his own wing!

Anyway, as of this writing, a used copy of this dog is selling for $.49 on amazon, but even that's too much...

Rating:
Summary: This is a good movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: If you like space movies this is your movie. You have a romance scene and then you have the scene where they blow up the crater and its a really good movie. I really can't say how much I like it. If you're not sure you should rent it and I promise it will change your mind. I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: A flag waving good time....so there!
Review: When this movie came out it was panned by the critics as pretentious cheese playing to the lowest denominator. With the exception of the "lowest denominator" they were right. This film oozes cheese, but man its fine gouda,and a sharp chedder. It is well made cheese,and despite a wonderful nod to the Russian space program, it is purely American cheese.If you hate our space program or blame America for all the worlds woes this is not the movie for you.
Michael Bay turns in great piece of work here which is not always the case, see"BadBoys"(stinky cheese). He develops characters with a minimum of exposition, and a maximum of well thought out imagery, and movement. His pacing while rapid is still smooth, and one can see and often times feel the action.
And yes there are moments of "telecommunication commercials"
but hey, they were some of the best commercials of their time.
The acting is wonderful, turning what ordinarily would be stereotyped,boring characters into memorable ones.And yeah this movie can make those of us prone to, cry.
I love Tarantino, and all the other edgy directors out there, I love dark, cynical, politically incorrect(which this film is),sex and violence epics. But I feel sorry for anyone who cant just relax,pull out the crackers, and enjoy this cheese.

Rating:
Summary: Perfect mixture of science fiction and lovestory
Review: This movie tells the story about the world's worst nightmare: An asteroid threatens to destroy the earth! To make it not happen, 12 people have to become perfect astronauts during only 6 days! Among these brave men 2 of the cutest guys, Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck, are united, despite their private differences! The long journey to the asteroid gets more and more gripping and exciting with the dangerous complications they have to get through. Will they be successful in their prideful mission???

All in all we adore the film with its emotional scenes and its beautiful, moving music. You can really enjoy the film and its a good idea for an evening with your friends.

Rating:
Summary: Science-fiction fans : avoid at all costs!
Review: Easiest way to sum up this very, very bad film : it's a two-hour car commercial.

"Cue big, stupid flagwaving, cue big-budget stars, cue overpowering musical score! All right, now explode stuff! Now stick Aerosmith Ballad Format #3 in there!" Voila! Another gold-plated Bruckheimer poo. Maybe one of these days we'll get a decent treatment of "Lucifer's Hammer" on the silver screen, but this is most definitely not it.

Ripped off a scene from "The Right Stuff", to boot. I'm sure it was an "homage" or something, right? Whatever. The science is crap, so we really can't list this stinker as "science" fiction. The cast of supporting characters is our usual colourful melange, all gleefully sterotyped and portrayed by solid character actors. That's the only watchable thing about the film, and then it's only after you've had to kick aside the unease at some of the stereotyping. It's syrupy, every plot point is telescoped a year in advance, Willis is just there to sell the mess, and BAffleck...proves once more that he's of limited use in movies that don't revolve around obsenity-spewing drug addicts (you know--Kevin Smith films).

Yes it made piles and piles of cash. Goes to prove just how abysmally lacking in discretion, imagination, taste, and brains the movie-watching public is, don't it?

Rating:
Summary: A brilliant DVD
Review: Although, I do remember someone lending me this DVD ages ago, and it had a gag-reel on it. Mine doesn't :( Poor me. Anyway, watching this film on DVD was terrific, having only previously watched it on video (which no one wants to buy!!!) This movie has some of the cutest guys in it - Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, Michael Clarke Duncan and Billy Bob Thornton?! My eyes must deceive me, as he always looks virtually unrecognisable in films, to what he looks like normally - unkempt, sleazy looking, and a craggy looking old man. (Is it just me?) And yes, I do have a thing for older men! This movie shot Liv Tyler and Ben Affleck to A-list stardom, and gave them Lord Of The Rings and Jennifer Lopez respectively.

I was quite surprised to see a couple of scenes that I hadn't seen before on the video. During the segment where the "astronauts" get the night off, you see Oscar praying, and Harry visiting his Dad. I literally did a double take when I saw these, especially since I've watched the movie many times. There was also another scene, but I forget what it was, or where it was now.

I own the 2-disc edition (which I can't find for the life of me on Amazon), so there's a lot more extras than listed here. Most of them are pretty tedious though, and I'm still fizzing about the gag-reel. It's so funny! I'll maybe watch the commentaries sometime, as there's two on this - the one with the NASA experts will be terrific on a night when I can't sleep. But the other one has Ben Affleck and Bruce Willis, which should be interesting. The extras are tedious, as they go through the special effects used for various scenes in the movie, and you've got some glorified assistant, who really had nothing to do with the movie, going into lengthy detail about the smallest thing. And use lots of fancy jargon, which definitely stupid people (like moi) can't understand. And never will understand. The DVD should have a warning sticker on it - "Do Not Watch Extras If Stupid".

You also get the music video to "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" (one of the best love songs), and I'd seen this video many times, so I wasn't expecting there to be an introduction to the video by the members of Aerosmith! Cool.

Name one girl who hasn't cried at this movie. I am definitely not in that category. I originally saw this movie in the cinema, and had to go cry away to myself in the toilets afterwards (highly embarrassing). And then when I got it on video, I couldn't stop crying!!! People may say it's only a film, but it's so sad!!! Thankfully, I didn't cry at the first watching of this DVD. I did get a little teary, but not full-on crying. Oh guys crying get me going!! Anyone crying gets me going, who am I kidding!

A terrific film, definitely a good one to watch for the guys or the special effects. Or Liv Tyler if you're that way inclined, but any girl will feel the green eyed monster rear its ugly head.

Now, about that gag-reel ...