ARMAGEDDON 1998
A film review by Timothy Voon
Copyright 1998 Timothy Voon
1 :-) for a very noisy ride
Director: Michael Bay Writer: Jonathan Hensleigh, J.J. Abrams Cast: Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, Liv Tyler, Ben Affleck, Will Patton, Peter Stormare, Keith David, Steve Buscemi
In ARMAGEDDON, everyone wants to save the world, each other, and carry on them so much love and comradeship, you'll gag on the popcorn. There are no bad guys, except for a big, mean meteorite and a highly unintelligent president. Throw in volatile father/daughter/lover relationships, the fate of humanity hanging on limbo, about to be blasted into oblivion and NOISE, NOISE, MORE NOISE, and before long, you're senses have been thrown into overdrive by the Jerry Bruckheimer team. They have once again pulled out a no stops, glitzy, action packed, noisy adventure that will leave you dizzy with explosions and collisions, that just seem to roll across the screen.
Unlike the slower, more thoughtful, DEEP IMPACT, this movie begins with a flash of destruction – the collapsing Chrysler building - you can't get smaller than that. Not to mention, an action packed cast all wanting their fair share of screen time - namely, Mr. B.Willis, Mr. B.Affleck, and Mr. B.B.Thornton. Mr. Willis gets to give his customary, ‘look how tough I am' stare, that also spells ‘I'm the greatest American Action Hero'. Whilst Mr. Affleck, who hasn't learnt how to develop this technique yet, throws himself about the screen, saying ‘Watch out for me, I'm better looking, and I'm going to be the next best American Action Hero.' Mr B.B. Thornton, on the other hand, carries himself with such self-control and dignity, that says to Willis and Affleck, ‘I may not be as good looking, but I can sure act better than the both of you.' On the side, Liv Tyler, looks prettier than all three.
On the whole, an action packed thrill ride that is certain to please lovers of special effects and action heroes. If this is your kind of film, then it is probably worth the weight of a movie ticket, as it will be much less impressive on tape.
Timothy Voon
e-mail: stirling@netlink.com.au
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