Movie Reviews

‘Greenland’ Review – An Explosively Intense Ride

Logline:

A family fights for survival as a planet-killing comet races to Earth.

The things that make disaster movies exciting yet terrifying to watch are their timing and their relevancy. We can now laugh off films such as 2012 because it’s scenario never came to fruition, but tons of people were worried a scenario such as its plot might actually happen (Doomsday Preppers has entered the chat). The film’s ideas are grabbed from headlines, public fears, and scientific hypotheses. As we send more satellites into space and occupy a space station, we see more than ever before which also means hundreds of scary and fascinating predictions. Over the past couple of years, I’ve noticed an abundance of discussions and concern that a comet or an asteroid may hit Earth as we’ve seen many fly by Earth closer than ever. There was even a 2017 show that dealt with the topic. Unlike that show, Greenland involves a giant comet instead of an asteroid and comets travel a hell of a lot faster. As we know, speed kills.

Greenland could be the break from reality that you need or it could just add to your anxiety. The doomsday film is an over the top, explosively intense ride. What sets this film apart from other disaster films is that it chooses to focus on relationships and not solely on the sky raining fire. It zooms in on many different aspects of humanity and its fragility and that is always just as scary as the event itself. If this year is any indication, sadly, I think it’s safe to say that if a planet-killing comet were to be headed for us, it would unfold just as this movie does. The film is pretty straightforward with nothing to overthink but instead wants you to focus on what’s important. Of course, with a film like this, you have to suspend reality just touch, if not, “yeah, right” will become your favorite phrase. However, that’s the fun of the movie. While the special effects may not be the cream of the crop, I don’t feel that it takes away from the film at all. With its big explosions and heart-pounding pace, you will be thoroughly entertained. Greenland is a good film to transition out this year with. Its rewatchability is high.

Plot & Pace

When structural engineer, John Garrity receives an ominous alert on his phone, his reality becomes a lot less clear. Shortly after, the news confirms devastating news that a comet, thought to be passing by, has actually fragmented and destroyed a city and mayhem ensues. John must now find a way to get his family to safety during a global panic.

The pacing of the film is heart pounding. From the first act on, it’s nonstop chaos.

Characters & Chemistry

Gerard Butler is no stranger to films such as this, in fact, he seems rather comfy. His performance as John Garrity is very grounded and relatable. Morana Baccarin as Allison Garrity is all perseverance. She has everything go terribly wrong but ultimately finds a way. Lastly, Roger Dale Floyd as Nathan encompasses all the wonderment and fear of the film. Together they make for a convincing, loving but splintered family that is trying to mend at the worst time. Also, can my man Andrew Bachelor aka King Bach live through a movie? I feel like he’s always dying.

Greenland became available today on VOD. Enjoy, stay safe, and look up every once in awhile.