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| a weekly series hosted by Wandering Through the Shelves |
Welcome back to Thursday Movie Picks, the weekly series that really has me struggle every now and then when it features a sub-genre I don't watch a lot. And disaster movies fall into that category. Not only I don't usually watch them, but I don't even understand people's fascination with them. So, since I couldn't come up with three films about natural disasters I enjoyed, I picked the three films fitting the theme I watched more recently.
Armageddon (1998)
A Michael Bay blockbuster, it follows a group of deep-core drillers who are recruited by NASA to save the planet from an asteroid. I snubbed this film for years because of Bay and I ended up watching it only because of my crush on William Fichtner, and it was so enjoyable. It is quite predictable and clichéd, and Ben Affleck is pretty insufferable, but it's entertaining, and Fichtner is so damn dreamy in that NASA suit.
Deep Impact (1998)
In this one, a deadly comet is about to strike Earth and destroy humanity, and the US President devises a strategy to save people. It is thematically very similar to Armageddon, but according to astronomers this one is more scientifically accurate, but I enjoyed it way less. It was probably the already-seen feeling that ruined it for me, as well as the bland characters and the weird romance. And the pacing, I was not a fan of the slow pacing at all.
The Perfect Storm (2000)
Based on a true story, it follows the fishermen on a commercial fishing vessel as cross paths with an intense storm. Another film I watched because of Fichtner, this unfortunately wasn't as enjoyable as Armageddon. It was quite a boring film, I didn't care about almost none of the character (only for Fichtner's obviously), most of the acting was dreadful, and I just couldn't wait for it to end.
These are good natural disaster flicks with 2 being asteroids. I actually prefer Deep Impact over the other one. Ben is a bit meh to me. The Perfect Storm is good. I thought it was well acted but I did get a bit confused where the plot was when it was dark and they kept switching from the boat to the yacht.
ReplyDeleteYeah, those bits in The Perfect Storm were a bit confusing because it was always so hard.
DeleteI don't remember much about The Perfect Storm except that I cried a bunch at the end. But I also cried at the end of Armageddon!
ReplyDeleteI cried at the end of Armageddon too! And I already knew Bruce was going to die.
DeleteI saw Armageddon in theaters and hated it as it was happening. I know, I know, lots of people love it, but I just can't. I like Deep Impact better, but I don't love that one, either. Still need to see The Perfect Storm.
ReplyDeleteI was expecting to hate it too but didn't. It's probably the only Michael Bay I've really enjoyed as an adult.
DeleteWe both match on Armageddon! I remembered when that film first came out and how popular it was!
ReplyDeleteAnd it makes sense! With that cast and that beautiful song by Aerosmith it couldn't be any different.
DeleteWith The Perfect Storm I think it helps the film if you've read the source book, which I had before seeing the film. It's still claustrophobic and terribly sad but the foreknowledge helped me buy into the story.
ReplyDeleteOf the other two Armageddon is the bigger, louder and probably dumber of the two that had some impressive effects for the time. Deep Impact had a more accomplished cast but as these sort of films go it was missing a certain zip.
I have to confess I'm a disaster movie fan but this time out I looked for films where the disaster was impactful to the movie but not the centerpiece.
The Colossus of Rhodes (1961)-Soldier Darios (Rory Calhoun) arrives on the Isle of Rhodes during the Hellenistic period to finds King Serse (Roberto Camardiel) has commissioned a larger-than-life statue of Apollo (destined to be one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World) meant to protect the harbor. Upon meeting master builder Carete (Félix Fernández), who has been commissioned to erect the statue Darios falls in love with his daughter Diala (Léa Massari). Through their alliance Darios also becomes involved with Peliocles (Georges Marchal) and his rebel force who seek to overthrow the tyrannical king. As a revolt foments a massive earthquake lays waste to nearly all.
Tornado (1943)-Coal miner Pete Ramsey (Chester Morris) has a whirlwind romance with rapacious showgirl Victory Kane (Nancy Kelly) who is passing through town and impulsively marries her. Social climbing Victory pushes Pete to work his way up in the company to enter a high tax bracket but still unsatisfied takes up with Gary Linden (Morgan Conway), the philandering son of the mine owner behind Pete’s back. As matters come to a crisis point the title tornado blows into town and coal isn’t the only thing to hit the fan.
Red Skies of Montana (1952)-After a tragic incident that resulted in the loss of his crew smokejumper Cliff Mason (Richard Widmark), unable to recall the event, is fearful that cowardice might have been at fault. Though cleared though an investigation he is determined to prove himself again especially since one man's son, Ed Miller (Jeffrey Hunter), suspects Cliff was responsible for his father's death. When a canyon wildfire breaks out Ed pursues Cliff there for a confrontation but when they become trapped Cliff must take desperate measures to save them both.
I agree that Armageddon is a bit of a mess and kind of stupid, but I enjoyed it so much!
DeleteI haven't seen any of your picks but The Colossus of Rhodes is already on my watchlist.
Ah, we differ here - I really enjoy this genre, Sonia!
ReplyDeleteI've seen all three of these and rate them all fairly well, but for very different reasons. Armageddon is an absolute testosterone-fuelled cheese fest so fun to watch every now and again while Deep Impact feels like its more serious older brother.
I really enjoyed The Perfect Storm. I found it quite gritty and emotive, especially when you consider it is inspired by real life events.
I think what ruined The Perfect Storm for me was mainly Mark Wahlberg. I wasn't a fan of the pace, but Wahlberg was the worst part. I just can't stomach him. And the chemistry with Diane Lane was weird. I don't know.
DeleteNice picks! Fichtner's hot! I remember watching The Perfect Storm for Clooney and Diane Lane. That beard looks soo good on him. But the movie is way too long, and Whalberg didn't have any charisma to root for him. lol Armageddon is a lot of fun though.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. Breaded Clooney looks great!
DeleteYour post makes me want to rewatch those movies to check out Fichtner - I can't seem to recall that guy 😅
ReplyDeleteHe always plays supporting character so it's easy to forget about it if you're not a fan. He also plays Alex Mahone in Prison Break, I don't know if you've see that show though.
DeleteI've seen all three of these but not since their initial release dates. IIRC, they feel very similar to one another.
ReplyDeleteThe Perfect Storm is different, but the other two pretty much have the same storyline.
DeleteArmageddon is quite dumb by entertaining.
ReplyDeleteDeep Impact - I don't think I saw it because it was too similar and came about the same time Armageddon.
The Perfect Storm - I remember enjoying it.