The Day after Tomorrow

Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, Emmy Rossum, Dash Mihok, Austin Nicholls, Sela Ward and Ian Holm.

Director: Roland Emmerich

Release Date: 2004

Running Time: 2hrs 4 minutes

Genre: Action

Rating: 12

Format: DVD

Synopsis:

Climatologist Jack Hall, must risk his life, trecking across America to reach his son Sam who is trapped inside a library in New York, after the world is plunged into a new Ice Age! 

I always find that disaster movies are generally rather far fetched. Depending on the storyline and the subject. This one, really isn't that far fetched at all. In fact, I believe it opened the eyes to a lot of scientists, in understanding what could potentially happen to our planet if we continue to look after it they way we do. Whilst in Antarctica, scientist Jack Hall discovers that a huge ice sheet has sheared off, however what he doesn't realise is that this event will trigger a terrifying climate shift. Meanwhile, Jack's son Sam (Gyllenhaal), is in New York attending a school event, before long he is trapped when New York suddenly plunges into a dark Ice Age. Disaster movies can be rather irritating for some, they're normally so ridiculous they become unwatchable. I love that Director Roland Emmerich chose to write a story that is honestly a threat for our planet right now. There are moments that are exceptionally exaggerated and far fetched, but for the most part, it could very much happen, if we aren't careful.

Jack Hall is not your normal cocky scientist, he really knows his subject and does everything he can to warn the President of the United States that our planet is going through a serious climate shift. Sam, is equally as bright and due to his knowledge is able to warn his friends and those in New York City of the dangers that are coming. The storyline has been fantastically written by Director Roland Emmerich. What's most impressive about the storyline, is that Emmerich was able to write a storyline that to some degree is so scientifically accurate, it's frightening. They say when the tsunami hit Thailand in 2004, the elephants started to behave strangely before the wave hit, they could feel the vibrations from the earthquake. The animals in the New York Zoo start to behave strangely just before the storm starts. It's the little things in the storyline that make it so terrific. The only part of the storyline that is ridiculous far fetched Is the speed in which everything happens.

I really appreciate that despite it being a disaster movie, Roland Emmerich was able to add moments of humour to the storyline. It's balances the storyline out beautifully. Dennis Quaid delivers an excellent performances as Jack Hall, his characterisation is fantastic, I love the enthusiasm that surrounds his character. Jake Gyllenhaal had just come out of doing teen roles when he filmed this movie, his performance is very good, he is essentially the lead role, although I would say Dennis Quaid and himself share it. The only thing, that was slightly disappointing personally, was that Director Roland Emmerich mentions that the climate change is taking place all over the world, however we are only shown America. It would have been really nice to have seen some scenes set in other countries to see what was happening there. It's a very closed storyline in that sense. I think, showing a bit more would of added even more excitement to the storyline.

The soundtrack really defines this film, it works so fantastically alongside the storyline, creating serious suspense and tension in particular scenes. It would really be nothing without it. The special effects do look a little bit dated, however for a movie that is now thirteen years old, it still looks pretty awesome! The special effects in the scenes shot in New York City are excellent and look very realistic and genuine. As action sequences they really are fantastic and are quite frightening to watch at times. This movie is all about survival, what would you do if suddenly a fierce storm hit, sending the world into a new Ice Age? The thought is pretty terrifying! It's hard to say what anyone of us would do! The production design is good, however there isn't much of a set, the vast majority of the movie is very clever CGI and cinematography.

As far as disaster movies goes, this is one of the best out there! Mainly because it hit on a subject that was at the time in the news frequently and still is, essentially. Climate change is taking place all the time. Not on this level, but it's happening. The acting and the plot are what really define this movie as a whole. The special effects and cinematography are very good, but the acting and the storyline are the two things that really stand out! The characters are magnificent, I loved Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, still has so much going for him as an actor, he's amazing! The ending is brilliant and not necessarily what most would expect. If you're a fan of disaster movies, then I'd definitely give this one a go!

4/5 stars