Don't be Ebert and Roper, eat some popcorn and enjoy!

Rating: Null/10 (31 May 2004)

Grant it, I was attracted to the special effects and Jake Gylenhaal in the beginning. Before going in, I had read many user comments and wondered how this movie was going to go. I was scared, but this movie out passed my expectations a million times. The special effects, what had originally caught my eye, were outstanding. And even the story, though not THAT prominent as compared to the fact that there are lots of tornados and New York gets Washed out with a giant tidal wave, still manages to work very well and get you caught up in the lives of these people. I actually found myself, silently, calling out for people to be saved and not to do certain things. I became caught up in the lives of these people, and not many movies can do that to me.
I hear many complaining about the fact that this is so unbelievable, and that it could never happen in the time frame presented. Well, what were they expecting... we were introduced to Jack Hall and Co. and then we skip to 10 000 years from now and his great great great great great great and so on grandchildren? No, I don't think that would have kept anyone in their seats to watch the end. The point of this movie was to be outlandish, and extreme. Even the characters in the movie cannot believe that it is happening as soon as it is. Even the director stated that timeline of events that this movie occurs would NEVER happen. It's a crazy idea that in 7 days all this could happen, but it's for entertainment value!
I personally, recommend this movie highly. But don't be quick to judge it just because, yes, everything happens more than slightly quickly. This movie has a good story and a scary message. So go to the theatre, grab your large popcorn and sprite, then sit back and watch the movie. Get blown away by the special effects, okay minus the wolves, and enjoy the story. Don't be a critic, or you'll ruin it for yourself.
*** and a half/ ****