This is a well-balanced rational review

Rating: 8/10 (1 June 2004)

Before I saw this movie tonight I looked at the reviews on this site and was shocked to see negative after negative review. Usually there is a good mix, but I must have skimmed through 20 negative ones before I came across some positive ones, and no offense, but they sounded less intelligent (oscar-worthy, now your are pushing it). So I went into this movie expecting it's only value to be the special effects. Normally I do not put too much faith in reviews and tonight I was again reminded why. I saw this movie with my family and my in-laws and we all enjoyed the movie for what it was intended to be. ENTERTAINMENT! You cannot reasonably go into a movie like this and start picking apart what is realistic or not. Come on! It is a dramatic disaster flick about worst-case scenario type situations. You have to give it some creative license or forget it. I'm glad that it is not realistic, because then let's face it, we'd all be moving to Mexico (see the movie). So I did not pay too much attention to people attacking the realism, because I don't expect that from these types of movies. The other critique I saw repeatedly was about the bad acting. There I definitely disagree. Everyone acted just fine for the content, this isn't Shakespeare people! The other critique was how it was anti-Bush administration. Sure, you could read into that with the Cheney-look-alike VP, but so what. I'm (tired of it) but rather used to liberal Hollywood taking shots at Bush. I'm smart enough to realize that Hollywood and those that are part of it are on this earth to entertain me, not share political wisdom with me. It is unfortunate that so many people get influenced by what actors, etc. think, but I, thankfully, am immune. Anyway, I digress. If you like entertaining, exciting, fun movies and do not care about reality, then you will likely enjoy this as well. The special effects are of course spectacular and even though snipets have been seen in other movies, it is fun to see a little of it all in one movie. There is some good humor, and mushy family ("I'm coming for you son") stuff as well if you like that. So don't let the nerds ruin it for you, unless you yourself are hung up on what is plausible or not. Just enjoy yourselves! Remember, the point of movies! Enjoyment, not always enlightenment- though they do talk about the environment and political responsibility, although in an obnoxious sort of way at times. 8/10 for what it is.