Armageddon (1998), Michael Bay

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Genre: Action, Science Fiction
Overall Rating:

(out of 5)

This movie kept me interested, and its definitely a tear-jerker, but I don't think its necessarily something I'd die to have in my collection of favorites. I would, however, recommend seeing this movie at least once.

The Story:

(out of 5)

1 Point: Interesting

2 Points: Original

1 Point: Unpredictable

1 Point: OMGZ

Numerous asteroids the size of basketballs have hit NY city. It is then discovered that an asteroid the size of Texas is due to hit Earth with catastrophic and fatal consequences. It is up to a rowdy drill team to go up into space and plant a bomb in order to save the planet.

Characters:

(out of 5)

1 Point: Well-Played

1 Point: Original

1 Point: Relatable

1 Point: Emotional Attachment

1 Point: OMGZ

Harry Stamper (Bruce Willis): The lead oil driller, who also has to deal with his daughter and her new-found love. I'm not a big Bruce Willis fan, but I have got to give it to this guy... truly stellar performance. He made my eyes watery more than once.

Dan Truman (Billy Bob Thornton): Head of NASA, he seems to be the only character who truly believes in the drill team. Also very well played, he serves as another emotional attachment

A.J. Frost (Ben Affleck): A.J. is Harry's (Bruce's) best employee, and secretly falls in love with his daughter, which leads to both comical and dramatic consequences. You're made to love this guy in the movie; he's romantic, attractive, and relateable.

Grace Stamper (Liv Tyler): Harry's (Bruce's) daughter, she falls in love with A.J. and stands her ground despite her father's rash reaction. She has to stay behind at NASA as her fiancée and father head up to space.

Believability:

(out of 5)

1 Point: No Disbelief

1 Point: Well-Explained

1 Point: Characters Fit Conceivably

1 Point: Not Foolishly Omniscient

1 Point: OMGZ

There were a few moments when I said "yeah, right." I mean, c'mon, NASA has sent people up into space numerous times before and, with the ever-nearing 2012, such things as this seem to be more real than ever before. However, the people that are up there to save the planet...? Yeah, even with imminent death, I don't think NASA, the US Government, or even the rest of the world would allow that. There's real conflict, nothing ever comes easily, and you find yourself at the edge of your seat hoping for the best... so there are its good moments.

Weight:

(out of 5)
1 Point: Relatable Lives
1 Point: Relatable Choices
1 Point: "Wow" Moments
1 Point: Lasting
1 Point: OMGZ

This has a little bit of comedy and tragedy, and I mean c'mon, the entire world is at risk here. However, I'm finding myself enjoying the "critical thinking" and "mind-fuck" movies a little bit more than the straight-forward senses thriller.

Visual:

(out of 5)
2 Points: Visual Quality
1 Point: Unique Visual Perspective
1 Point: Special Effects
1 Point: OMGZ

Considering this movie was made in 1998, I was really impressed with the special effects. Nothing looked fake, and space and the asteroid were pretty mystical. My only complaint, which is pretty much the same with most action movies, is that with all the explosions everywhere, its sometimes a bit hard to follow. It just seems a little elementary to me. But hey, I'm no professional.