A Surprise

Rating: Null/10 (29 December 1999)

Armageddon came out at just about the same time as Deep Impact (at least that's what happened in Malta). Having first seen the latter movie first, I was a bit sceptic about viewing another disaster movie with practically the same theme - i.e. a huge asteroid about to hit the Earth. The title itself - "Armageddon" - seemed to say it all. This one word - plus of course the presence of Bruce Willis - promised a movie which contained lots and lots of action, but perhaps somehow lacking in the storyline and plot.
However I was pleasantly surprised to find that Armageddon, yes, contained beautiful special effects and action, but with a good (although not crackingly good) plot to the boot. True, the story is hardly imaginative, but the way that it is transmitted to the audience is both emotional and extremely pleasant in the same way.
Armageddon might not be the most original movie ever made; however the way the story is projected, plus the addition of the emotional element (with characters you can feel for) is truly, well, if not wonderful, at least close too. Some claimed that the characters are mere caricatures; I think that after all, all movie characters are. It is up to the director and the actors to make the audience symphatise and feel for them. And I can seriously say that most of the actors did - make me feel for them, that is. Otherwise how could I possibly explain the tears that came as the credits rolled up?
A good watch - both for sci fiction fans and those who like to watch movies that make them feel something inside.