Disaster film raising 'important issue' divides fans as it streams on Disney
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Film buffs are completely "gripped" by the apocalyptic vision of New York City crumbling under climate change in the disaster flick led by Hollywood star Jake Gyllenhaal.
The Day After Tomorrow dials up the thrill factor by merging climate science with high-stakes drama, leaving audiences captivated.
The crowning glory of the film lies in its striking special effects which have not only set it apart from its peers but also clinched a BAFTA for Best Special Visual Effects.
Echoing sentiments of approval, a review on Rotten Tomatoes reads: "The Day After Tomorrow plays with the idea of global warming and flips it to global cooling.
"The visuals and CGI are outstanding. The whole tsunami sequence and then subsequent freezing scenes are just spectacular to watch even today."
They add: "The acting is a little shoddy, with decent performances from Dennis Quaid and Sela Ward. Otherwise, the film is really just a special effects extravaganza geared towards making a statement against global warming."
Central to its tale is Jack Hall, portrayed by Dennis Quaid, an American paleoclimatologist who stumbles upon a colossal ice sheet breakage, setting off a catastrophic climatic upheaval.
Now he must embark on a perilous trek back to New York City to find his son as the planet faces an abrupt descent into a frigid new world, reports the Express.
In the bustling metropolis, Sam, alongside his friends, gets ready for an academic decathlon. However, strong superstorms and torrential rain have left Manhattan submerged, with residents wading through deep waters, immobilised by the flood.
With the president urged by Hall to evacuate people further south in response to the icy conditions, he embarks on a treacherous journey to rescue Sam. The peril escalates, leaving audiences in suspense over their survival amidst these harsh elements.
The encapsulating review states: "Unique and gripping! I hadn't seen a film similar to this before, so I thought this was great to watch. Great acting and very good effects. Will watch this again and again."
Although The Day After Tomorrow has garnered acclaim for its visual effects wizardry, its story has not escaped criticism. A modest 45% rating on Rotten Tomatoes reflects mixed feelings about the acting and script.
An audience member expressed: "People who are looking for a great story and characters, this movie is not for you. But, if you like intense sequences that leave you on the edge of your seat, you will love this movie."
Meanwhile, a viewer remarked: "Worth a watch during a snow day. There are several holes in the plot, but it's intense and entertaining!"
For those intrigued by cinematic portrayals of global catastrophe, The Day After Tomorrow is available for streaming on Disney+.
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