Rating: 
Summary: Potential, but didn't pay off
Review: The premise is great: a disaster flick centering around the human response to impending annihilation.Too bad it was so darned uninteresting. The movie never really found its focus. There were glimpses of the national reaction, mainly viewed through the plans of the U.S. government (once again, the United States are the saviors of the planet! Does this seem a little egocentric?) The fact that this preparation took a backseat in the film was a real mistake. For me, the most compelling notion in the movie was how do we choose who survives? Here, survivors were selected from a random pool of anyone under age 50. I just couldn't forgive the inaccuracy of this lottery. Think of all the factors that would be introduced in trying to procure a sample of people who would be best for survival. First of all, what about genetic makeup? Wouldn't people be screened for predisposition to disease, mental health problems, or more importantly, sterility? Barren men and women would be out, they would be unable to build the population base back up. Furthermore, there is no way our country has evolved to the point were race and socioeconomic stature would not figure into this selection. Think of the frightening "genetic cleansing" that could occur if some facist were in charge of this task. Eek! I understand that this was not the point of the movie...but why not? Instead we follow the astronauts in space, which followed a typical "wisdom and experience takes the young by the hand" moralistic clause, and the lives of a few families back on earth. Way too much of the wooden Tea Leoni was the end result. The representation of the avearge American once again focused on white, middle class families. Furthermore, the final solution of as long you're okay with your family, whether you live or die is irrelevant is a rather shallow theme. The ending provided some interesting thought which of course was underscored; since the Comet hit the Atlantic, only the East Coast and Europe were affected. Essentially, Japan and East Asia were unharmed. While the U.S. rebuilds its capitol, perhaps it will no longer enjoy the status of world leader? Ah well, perhaps a topic for the sequel.
Rating: 
Summary: Great movie....
Review: I absolutely loved this movie, and in my opinion, one of the best movies I've ever seen. Now, a lot of people are saying that this is the worst movie they've ever seen, because it's not FX-ridden, Tea Leoni can't act, too depressing, and so on. I actually agree with that. For a "blockbuster," the FX were very limited, Tea Leoni was monotonous throughout the whole movie (I don't know how someone can say "daddy" so unpassionately when it's SUPPOSED to be), and it did make me cry a lot (this coming from a teenage guy...). So, why did I love it? It affected me where my heart is. It was a movie in which I could emphatize with all the characters. It wasn't like this was a joking matter. Obviously, if the world's gonna end, you wouldn't be trying to crack jokes. It touched me, and made me realise the importance of having relationships, and keeping them. Also, Leelee Sobieski acted quite well. I think she could have done a better job of acting the main role than Tea. The way she was heartbroken to leave her parents, the love she had for them, was amazing. I think I've watched it at least 7 times, and each time, I never fail to cry.... Yes, it might be depressing, but you know, hope survives. Life goes on. You gotta make the best of what you have. And that is all I have to say.
Rating:
Summary: armageddon spinoff
Review: deep impact is your basic spinoff of the movie armageddon. you have some veteran actors in it like morgan freeman, and maximillian schell, and then you have up-and-comers such as tea leoni. otherwise a good movie
Rating: 
Summary: Lifetime Network presents
Review: Okay I realize that this was a big budget movie with a stellar cast. I also appreciate the fact that it wasn't half bad - especially when compared to those great seventies clunkers ( Earthquake, Towering Inferno ). Though it's also a very good possibility in twenty five years this movie will be a groaner as well. Nevertheless I couldn't help but think this was a woman's disaster film. Imagine if the Lifetime Network made a disaster film .... you don't have to here it is. Not a terrible way to burn a couple of hours and compared to Armeggedon I suppose it's more "realistic" But good gosh Armmeggedon has something this movie dosen't - a sense of fun.
Rating:
Summary: Arma gettin it
Review: This movie was great. I loved the way they played it from a suppossed white house scandal to the possible end of all life on earth. It dealt with sensitive issues and dealt with them well. The acting was good and the final effects were awesome, to say the least. Good casting and good directing also added to this great movie.
Rating:
Summary: The More Things Change ...
Review: 47(!) years earlier (in 1951), George Pal produced "When Worlds Collide." The premise of this film was that the earth would be destroyed by collision with another celestial object, and that only a select few (and how they are selected forms the core of the film) could be saved. Is this starting to sound vaguely familiar? About the only improvement I can see in the last half century is that the wonderfully gifted Morgan Freeman is cast as U.S. President -- an idea that would have been unthinkable in 1951. The only reason I mention this is because most viewers of the movie I talk to never noticed Mr. Freeman's race -- only his absolute credibility as the President of a nation in crisis. So, to contradict my subject line, I guess things DO change, after all. In any case, the question of how we as a species would deal with our own individidual and collective exinction is a profound one that deserves more thoughtful treatment than it received in either of these films.
Rating:
Summary: Armageddon it ain't...
Review: ...but then, we knew that before we opened the DVD case, didn't we? Whereas Armageddon promises manly Bruce Willis and dreamy Ben Affleck in all of their sweaty, world-saving glory, Deep Impact has a different focus: "Hope Survives." True, both stories (which released the same year, probably to the chagrin of both) deal with a massive object hurtling toward the earth and mankind's efforts to prevent a repeat of the dinosaur-extincting smack of so long ago. But "Deep Impact," as a title, may refer less to the single, devastating splash so heavily featured in this film's promotions, than it refers to the impact one human being can have on the life of another. Between parents and children, between mentors and wards, between governing and governed, between friends, between lovers, and even between strangers, Deep Impact features some of the most moving acts of selflessness in modern filmmaking. For all its emotional appeal, though, Deep Impact leaves me a little cold with certain technical elements. When we join the crew of the "Messiah," the souped-up space shuttle which challenges the incoming comet, I feel as though we've entered a giant video game, where pretty colored CRT screens count down the number of seconds remaining in the game, while tallying our remaining strength and ammunition. In fact, just about all of the "in-space" scenes pale in comparison even to Armageddon (which itself contained the most un-realistic space shuttle "chase scenes" I've seen outside of the Star Wars genre). I enjoyed watching Deep Impact, and it does provide a moving story if you can get past its almost-successful special effects. I won't recommend this one for purchase, however--the DVD contains none of the "making-of" materials I like to see, and does not even offer subtitles. Rent this one, or if you're sure you want to own it, save yourself a few bucks and purchase the VHS.
Rating:
Summary: A disaster movie that takes you to a real life situation.
Review: As a huge fan and collector of disaster films, the movie, Deep Impact is one of the best of its kind as evidenced by its unique delivery. With the help of our present day technology, the movie stirs a lot of emotions that is deeply moving and believable. Like always, Steven Spielberg did an excellent job in this arena of real life images and special effects. In appreciation of the story itself, the movie has dual elements to describe this kind of disaster. It has the physical reality and the emotional side. That's what the movie title is all about. What does the physical reality of an earth disaster have an impact to humanity? The comet's strike towards earth in this movie created a deep scar on its surface with the impact that is so immensely great and made believable with this day and age of cinematic technology. There are a lot of imagery and camera tricks that were put in by the producers that are so overwhelming to the audience. The entrance of the comet through the earth's atmosphere, the mushroom cloud that sifts during impact, the sudden change in weather, the emergence of tidal waves that spread outward from the core of the impact and the destruction of cities and inland are all wonderfully portrayed. The sequence of these events is just so precise. The other side of the movie is the emotional element. This is where the inner beauty of the movie comes in. The dramatization is well-directed and well-casted with real life characters. The character set is one that I describe as not too well known to the public with a notable exception of Morgan Freeman, who played the perfect role as US President. Freeman has this leading edge and persona to play this special public figure which he did so excellent. His character in this movie puts the viewers into the real situation that later nourishes and bonds us with hope through the experience of fear, trauma and preparation. Tia Leoni, who played the female lead, as the television reporter as Jenny Lerner, is one of those unfamiliar faces who did so well in this movie. Vanessa Redgrave played the part as Jenny's troubled mother who is coping through a divorce. Her presence in this movie has contributed a lot of this emotional impact between her troubled life and the approaching disaster. The family role models of Leo & Sarah with their parents are also a spotlight in this film. They were happy neighbors and united as one niche despite a sad separation at the end between their parents and children. The part where Sarah's parents come to face death with the approaching tidal wave while holding each other without panic is a sad and tearful moment. The NASA astronaut crew headed by Robert Duvall played the rescue mission to deflect the comet. Duvall's presence also made it so special, as his persona as an action star. Lastly, the casting of extras who devote their parts of running and screaming for their lives are real people that catches our fearful attention. One thing I have to comment is the superb musical score, which sustains the good quality and delivery of this movie. The musical quality I can describe is again moving, which takes the audience into this real life situation of accepting the facts of fear and uncertainty and how to overcome it with hope. All in all, the dedication that is put into the making of and delivery of the movie, Deep Impact is excellent. The magnitude of this movie is believable that can happen and is deeply moving. It is indeed a collector's item for those who are into disaster flicks.
Rating: 
Summary: Excruciating
Review: This film starts out so slowly, and with so little energy, that I started praying for the asteroid to make a surprise appearance. Once things started happening, the movie only got worse. Characters behaved strangely and stupidly, the dialogue was cheesy, there was absolutely NO dramatic tension, and the acting was, at best, subpar. The ludicrous ending at least provided a laugh or two. Stay away!
Rating:
Summary: SURPRISING
Review: Of all of the disaster epics I have seen in my life, Deep Impact was the most moving and original. I cried my eyes out, even when the sentimentality was over-the-top, as with the kid/romance subplot. I thought the emotional rendering of a core group of people you come to know as the world is about to end was wonderfully done, and so movingly told. Tea Leoni got a short shrift; her TV anchor was appropriately confounded, disturbed and knocked out by the juxtaposition of her own success/ambition coming about via the worst single disaster known to man. The astronaut sequences were well-done, and featured a small ensemble of strong acting, lead by the reliable Robert Duvall. It was refreshing to see Morgan Freeman as a President you wish was your own. James Horner's music moves the multi-layered plot with deep emotion and color. Though the movie surely delivers knockout special effects in its final reel, this movie is no Armageddon; expect a deep resonant response, one of the heart. It makes sense that this movie was directed by Mimi Leder; it has a woman's touch, which for me brought it a sensitivity and compelling beauty. There are so many moving moments in the final 20 minutes it will be difficult to remain calm, and dry-eyed.
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