For a better, similar asteroid plot, go for Deep Impact

Rating: 6/10 (3 April 2011)

I watched both movies in 1998 when they were released and I was a teenager. I can't help but say, more than one decade later, that the less known, less hyped Deep Impact was a far, far better movie than Armageddon among the stream of disaster movies of the time (Volcano, Twister etc.)
It is a linear, predictable (if you have a little brains and put them to use) movie. Is it enjoyable? Surely, it is a perfect move to take a date with, or to watch at home while texting and chatting. There are few, if any, inside references or loops on the story. The first 10 minutes give you all the character nuances you will need.
As for the special effects, they are nice but thankfully they avoid the "Independence Day-trap" of killing even a shallow storyline for the sake of showcasing the ability of its visual effects engineers.
To sum it up, Armageddon is a typical summer action movie, not much concerned about complexity. In that purpose, it delivers on its promises.