The End of Subtlety...

Rating: 8/10 (29 November 2007)

There are few films that come under more attack from movie elitists than "Armageddon". "It's loud! Boorish! Jingoistic! Empty-headed!", they sneer contemptuously. All of the naysayers are of course exactly right. It is all of these things and more tactless synonyms besides. If you take every one of these criticisms into account, however, and nevertheless make a conscious effort to approach the film in the right frame of mind, then I still maintain you can have a lot of fun with its blunt attitude.
It's an overblown comic-book tailor made for teenagers and grown up kids, alike. Embrace it's sheer ridiculousness; chomp popcorn and grip your seat in synch with the deafening musical cues that are helpfully provided. It's meant to be an assault on your senses and nerves, just like the wildest ride in an amusement park. Logic doesn't enter into the exercise, and nor should it, either. This is a slam-bang experience, and Michael Bay is your consummate purveyor for these types of things. I ask those who would still gripe fruitlessly: What the heck else should you be expecting????!!!
Sometimes you have to learn to appreciate 'big and dumb' if it's 'big and dumb' that's at least aiming for mass appeal. This is absolute populist entertainment for better or worse. Try to enjoy it, otherwise you might as well never go outside again, if it offends your delicate sensibilities too much...