Greenland

Audiences love to go to the movies in order to escape from their problems, which is probably why disaster type films have certainly gained much popularity through the many decades they've been around. We've seen a plethora: "Airport", "The Towering Inferno", "Earthquake", "Titanic", "Jurassic Park", "Meteor", and the like. So when "Greenland" came into being, I thought it was time for yet another disaster film to sink their teeth into.

A family fights for survival as a planet-killing comet races to Earth. John Garrity (Gerard Butler), his estranged wife Allison (Morena Baccarin), and young son Nathan (Roger Dale Floyd) make a perilous journey to their only hope for sanctuary. Amid terrifying news accounts of cities around the world being leveled by the comet's fragments, the Garritys experience the best and worst in humanity while they battle the increasing panic and lawlessness surrounding them. As the countdown to global apocalypse approaches zero, their incredible trek culminates in a desperate and last-minute flight to a possible safe haven. 

Others to round out the cast are Scott Glenn as Dale, Allison's father, David Denman as Ralph Vento, Hope Davis as Judy Vento, Holt McCallany as Twin Otter Pilot, Merrin Dungey as Major Breen, Andrew Huntoon as Robins AFB airman, Gary Weeks as Ed Pruitt, Tracey Bonner as Peggy Pruitt and Andrew Byron Bachelor as Colin. 

This was directed with the intensity one would expect considering the storyline by Ric Roman Waugh ("In the Shadows" '01, "Felon" '08, "Snitch" '13, "That Which I Love Destroys Me" (documentary) '15, "Shot Caller" '17, "Angel Has Fallen" '19) plus a video. Considering this film starred Butler who also starred in "Angel Has Fallen", this definitely was familiar territory for this filmmaker. This definitely had the same feel, pace and staging which made it gripping and intense. Even though Waugh seems to stay in that comfort zone, he certainly does so with preciseness. If you can respect this director's ability behind the camera, his "Kandahar" is in pre-production. This was written by seasoned pro Chris Sparling ("An Uzi at the Alamo" '05, "Buried" '10, "ATM" '12, "The Atticus Institute" '15, "The Sea of Trees" '15, "Mercy" '16, "The Warning" '18, "Down a Dark Hall" '18, "Falling Slowly" '20) plus a short. When I viewed the trailer, I went away thinking it would have more devastation from this comet, however afterwards, although there was a fair amount of that, it was more centered around this family's domestic issues with an apocalypic backdrop ensuing. There seemed to be a bit of buildup to get the audience to the comet plunging to the planet--possibly a bit too much, but once the devastation started, it definitely kept you at the edge of your seat. Certainly if you liked "Angel Has Fallen", you'll love this. If this kind of strong, solid writing if something you can sink your teeth into, his "Intrusion" is in post-production for a 2021 release, "Lakewood" is also in post-production and "Incident on 459" is in pre-production. This writer is definitely very busy, so there must be something to his talent.

This film is certainly something any filmgoer would come to expect, especially the lead role by Gerard. He's performed so many of these types of films prior that he could practically perform them in his sleep. This film was supposed to be released on 12-18-2020, but considering that was during the pandemic, and the theaters being closed, it went to VOD and subsequently up for sale. I would've purchased before, however I could only find it in blue-ray of which I don't have. So, I found a DVD so I could critique it for you.

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                                  Rated: PG-13                                              120mins.