Inconsistent but very exciting thriller, watch today or tomorrow

Rating: 8/10 (19 March 2008)

Dennis Quaid (Any given Sunday) stars as Jack Hall, a scientist who discovers that the world is becoming even more vulnerable to global warming and as the weather takes dramatic turns over the world, he is in a rush against time to think of a solution, and to rescue his son Jake Gyllenhaal (Donnie Darko) from New York.
The whole ideology about global warming becoming as devastating as this has been questioned by many critics, I for one was a bit unsure that the world could suffer as badly as this. However this 2004 disaster film does hit on a fair enough point.
The film basis itself on an idea focused upon in today's media but doesn't really dive deep within the causes of global warming, its more of a case of its happening so deal with it kind of concept. The film also runs on a few somewhat corny conventions such as saving the day and love. Also it is slightly confusing as a lot of cast is talking in specific scientist lexis for majority of the time. There are also too many characters to focus upon and not enough consistency regarding their personal issues.
Despite these flaws, it is still a remarkable film. Its fast and tense throughout with great CGI and the acting and characters are acceptable enough to carry the film right to the very end where some viewers might feel slightly let down because it is a bit of an anticlimax. Many scenes are exciting and grab and surprise you.
The plot is fairly consistent and focuses on the family who all have their own personal issues to revolve which are good little sub stories. Many scenes are quite dramatic especially with the water and the wolves later on.
The use of the library was really significant and effective but most importantly claustrophobic. The settings were well established. The film is perhaps one of the best disaster films ever directed and justifies the genre beautifully.