Film Critic to the Culver City Observer and over 132 Publications Worldwide including: The Observer, Inc., John Schimmenti, Inc., CCN, Inc.,
Santa Monica Observer, Inc., Beacon-Times, Inc., Columbus-Register, Inc., and a Host of Others
The Day After Tomorrow
by
debbie lynn elias
Okay, so the plot similarities to "Independence Day" are more than just coincidental. But there are some variations. This time we have "everyman" Dennis Quaid trying to save the world instead of the more cerebral Jeff Goldblum and instead of going to Washington from New York, we're going to New York from Washington. But, thanks to outstanding visual effects compliments of CGI wizardry, the Emmerich trademarks are intact - mayhem, madness, disaster and overwhelming destruction of recognizable public monuments at the hands of every possible natural and manmade element. The sheer magnitude of the on screen disaster is impressively mind boggling.
Not one to overlook strong acting performances amid apocalyptic mayhem, Emmerich again fills the screen with incredible talent - and none more so than Dennis Quaid. One of the most under rated actors of our day, Quaid is - as always - a standout. As Jack Hall, Quaid brings a humanity and caring quality to the man that was absent in the characters in "ID4." He has a dependability and reliability factor that just makes you sit there and go, "Yea, this is the man I want trying to save my butt. This is the man I want around in a crisis." Adding to the package is Jake Gyllenhaal as Sam. Even without the blockbuster effects, the pairing of Quaid and Gyllenhaal is worth the price of admission. Their chemistry is what this film its heart. And I'm pleased to see Sela Ward back on screen. As Lucy Hall, Sela brings her own patented brand of dramatic excellence to not only the character but the film.
Although weak on dialogue, it's something to be overlooked and doesn't really impact the film as a whole. Although you will find the requisite chest-thumping, heart-pounding inspirational speeches - and some incredible one-liners appropriately timed to destructive sequences - this is not a film that rises and falls on dialogue nor is it one where it is expected or anticipated. Despite this one oversight or shortcoming, however, the film's messages about the environment, family and politics are never lost, thanks in large part to the visual effects and the strength of Dennis Quaid and Jake Gyllenhaal.
"The Day After Tomorrow" is all about the high energy, rapid fire spectacular. Spectacular effects. Spectacular disasters. Spectacular ear-splitting bombastic sound to rival military shock and awe. In short, simply spectacular.
Jack Hall: Dennis Quaid Sam Hall: Jake Gyllenhaal Lucy Hall: Sela Ward
Directed by Roland Emmerich. Written by Roland Emmerich and Jeffrey Nachmanoff. A 20th Century Fox release. Rated PG-13. (124 min)