Fantastic fun, but not without problems

Rating: 8/10 (27 February 2006)

This film underscores the difference between the movie, and the BLOCKBUSTER. This was created with the latter in mind. What is sacrifices in acting, plot, and versimilitude it more than compensates with just one hell of a great action film. It wasn't created to change lives.
The bad stuff first, who thought Liv Tyler could act? I mean look at her, she's awful. Ben Affleck is also a terrible actor, but this was the better of his performances. Then there's science and Hollywood science. I was not an astrophysics major but even I could tell that this film was re-writing most of the scientific premises mankind has known for centuries. Little things like the shuttle's approach to the asteroid through a cosmic shower of rocks at 22,000 MPH was just a little hard to believe. Fire and wind on the asteroid, the Evel Knieval Armadillo jump, on and on. It's moments like those who say "hey wait a second.." and then you just have to let it go. Oh and let's not forget the "impenetrable titanium alloy skin" on these shuttles. Except when it comes to bullets.
Otherwise this film was amazing. Very entertaining, very interesting. While many flame Bruce Willis' acting ability I have always thought he brings a sincerity of spirit to each of his roles. His performance was warm and likable. I thought Billy Bob Thornton was the best thing in this film. The supporting cast of "retards turned astronauts" added a comedic, yet human, dimension which worked great. The patriotic tenor of the film was unmistakable, yet not obnoxious. By then end of this film even I shed a tear or two. And thats's really all it's about. Escapist pleasure, pure and simple. And hey let's face it, if the film simply reproduced real physics and real space travel then, well, I think we could say we've already seen The Right Stuff.
Loads of fun, great post-view conversation material, and unexpected swerves make this film a hit. Get past the Jetsons technology and I think you'll love it as much as I did.