I enjoyed it

Rating: Null/10 (29 May 2004)

I went in thinking it would be pretty bad...I mean this is the same guy who directed STARGATE and GODZILLA, but was pleasantly surprised to find an enjoyable film that moved along at a decent pace. This movie has an epic sweeping feel to it that is rare in movies these days. Most of these digital films really look cheap in a lot of ways but not this one. The effects are so well done that you don't get pulled out of the story as easily. Also, the sets look huge. The score is one of the better ones I have heard lately and the characters are also likeable. One thing about this movie, it LOOKS like it cost a lot of money to make. There are some shots that are simply awe-inspiring. They really grab you and generate a true sense of wonder. The money spent is definitely on the screen. The cinematography is also excellent with wonderfully moody lighting in places.
WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS

My only problem with the film is that if you have seen the trailers, you have already seen a lot of the effects but there are details on the big screen you just dont see on TV. Also, the effects seem like ILMs Master Thesis. You have a much better tidal wave sequence than in DEEP IMPACT and a much better tornado sequence than anything in TWISTER. There is a scene where three helicopters are flying and it is about the only thing in the movie that really looks fake. I was really glad I saw this movie in the theater. It is definitely a movie that is more effective on the big screen.