Exciting despite major flaws

Rating: 7/10 (14 December 2002)

I have to admit a strong prejudice against science fiction films that are so scientifically inaccurate and unbelievable that they are embarrassing to those of us who actually like SF. (Note: Star Wars isn't science fiction, it's fantasy, which doesn't have to follow rules). If I were Joseph P. Allen, the NASA consultant, I would die of shame. If you can't spot most or all of the flaws, then you probably don't care.
Besides the above, most of the characters were so forgettable that when they died you couldn't remember what they looked like! Many of the scenes on the asteroid looked like what they were: indoor sets under harsh lighting. I could go on but you get the picture. Brainless mind pap.
I must admit that despite everything I still enjoyed watching it (!) because of the off-the-top performances and some (but definitely not all) of the special effects. Nevertheless, my judgement is that while adolescents may like Armageddon, the best film of this type is Deep Impact, released the same summer.