THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW (2004)

Directed & Story By: Roland Emmerich
Written By: Roland Emmerich & Jeffrey Nachmanoff
Cinematography By: Ueli Steiger
Editor: David Brenner

Cast: Jake Gylenhaal, Dennis Quaid, Dash Mihok, Emmy Rossum, Sela Ward, Jay o. Sanders, Rick Hoffman, Ian Holm, Arjay Smith, Tamlyn Tomita, Austin Nichols, Glenn Plummer, Adrian Lester, Nestor Serrano, Perry King


This film which seems tobe about the nightmare version of what will happen if we keep ignoring global warming, is so bad that after awhile it gets entertaining by how ridiculous it gets. As you wait for the next cliche to rear it's ugly head. The ways we get to each one is fun. It even decides to even the score when it comes to the immigration issue.

The film strives tobe a event/disaster movie and it succeeds,Because that seems to be the expertise of director Roland Emmerich. The film has tons of effects and a ensemble cast, With everything done on a grand scale.

Jake Gyllenhaal who is a good actor seems hard to try and squeeze some richness from his character and emotions from the script for his character, But doesn't seem to realize there is no depth in this script and his character is virtually a cardboard cut out. This is not his type of of film. He brings a believability to his character but his talent is way above the script. Though since he looks noticeably older then the character he is playing. His romance with another student is disturbing as he looks like a predator in his twenties hunting a underage girl. It seems like good actors only appear in his films to be in a hit movie and to show they can have a sense of humor about themselves, Which is great for them but not for the public paying to see the film. Yet if you are honestly paying to see this you pretty much get what you expect as fr as quality and entertainment.

The film tries to be a message movie at various points like it's title which was obviously inspired by the apocolyptic tv movie THE DAY AFTER. While still keeping the hallmarks of a big budget disaster movie. The hero, The sacrafice.

The most ridiculous sequence is also the most exciting where Jake Gylenhaal and 2 other disposable Co-Stars go on board a shipwrecked ship to get supplies and are chased by a group of wolves. The scene is reminisent of the raptor scene in JURASSIC PARK.

None of the characters are too memorable, Though i do enjoy seeing Dennis Quaid play the smart, Resourceful hero lead. He deserves the chance for a comeback and rises to the occassion. I always felt he had the talent but it was rare in his past to ever get the chance to do it, When he did the film would usually bomb or it would be in the wrong type of film that were not worthy of his talents.

This is a movie you will forget about as soon as it is over.It is a good time waster if there is nothing else to watch.

The film mostly centers on global warming sending the united states into another ice age. Dennis quaid's scientist character who warned of this happening. Trek's to save his son who is held up in a library in new york on a class trip. Wht he is going to do once he reaches him is never answered because that would require logic. Most of the other part of the movie is about the son struggling to survive with a few other survivors. We get to see the father overcome all these situations to get there and have to bury some of his comrades, That is the emotional context of the film.

The film's special effects are impressive, but still Wait for Cable.

Grade: C-