In the 1970’s, the ‘disaster movie’ was a popular
genre. With a group of well-known actors facing a natural or human-made
calamity, the formula carved a niche in cinema history. Whilst it faded
after the decade of disco and flares, variations have been seen since.
‘Geostorm’ is the latest pitting humanity against a potentially unstoppable
force. Although the cast is less starry than before, its disastrous aims are
still high as it proves how fun it can be to see silver screen peril.
In the distant future, earth’s climate is controlled by a
bevy of satellites used to offset global warming. This flounders when they
begin to mysteriously malfunction. Sending deadly pods into the earth which can
generate enormous storms, the world quickly faces extinction. Sending
chief scientist and astronaut Jake (Gerald Butler) into space while his brother
Max (Jim Sturgess) handles things on earth, humanity’s fate rests in their
hands against nature’s unending fury.
‘Geostorm’ is a strange mix of conspiracy thriller, sci-fi,
action and disaster genres. It shouldn’t work nearly as well as it does which
is entirely due to the strong performances and exciting script. It doesn’t
always fully achieve its ambitious targets but it’s a fun ride overall with
great CGI. Director Dean Devlin knows this type of movie well having
produced similar works such as ‘Independence Day’ and ‘2012’. Those films
are referenced several times in ‘Geostorm’ that’s so ridiculously over the top
you may as well enjoy it.
‘Geostorm’ knows what type of film it wants to be and runs
with it at full speed. Dull moments are few with the perfectly pitched
performances taking things with stoic seriousness amidst a wave of outlandish
incidents. It is interesting watching problems solved in space and earth simultaneously
with the brothers sorting through their personal differences millions of miles
away. But we’re not watching a family drama as ‘Geostorm’ is resolutely ‘brain
at the door’-style movie-making.
Although a silly load of nonsense, ‘Geostorm’ remains
engaging. It’s not earth-shattering and nor is it in danger of winning
Oscars. It provides a spectacle allowing the viewer to sit back and
marvel at the imaginative ways earth can be destroyed and how wicked the minds
of film-makers can be.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 6
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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