Film Forum

Episode Recap

Episode 3

5/25/04

Films Reviewed: The Day After Tomorrow and Raising Helen

Commentary: Disaster/Science run amok

Featurette: Behind the scenes of The Day After Tomorrow

Regarding The Day After Tomorrow:

Matt: What a good way to start the summer movie season!  Sure, the dialogue is hokey, the characters are wooden and the science is kind of implausible, but the disastrous weather looked fantastic!  Bring a sweater, because you will need it!  Three stars.

Aron: The effects were awesome, but the film was unnecessarily political.  Maybe there is something going on in the environment, but don't become a message film disguising itself in entertainment for the masses.  Still, all that rain, ice and snow looked great.  Three stars.

Average Rating: *** (out of ****)

Regarding Raising Helen:

Aron: Nice, real performances by Kate Hudson, John Corbett and the children involved.  Not life changing, but fun.  It also doesn't overplay the heartstrings.  Three stars.

Matt: Actually, this is Garry Marshall's most mature film to date.  His characters are given real situations, real emotions and a fair respect for religious beliefs.  It's not going to win Marshall an Oscar, but he may do so one day.  Three stars.

Average Rating: *** (out of ****)

Commentary:  Capsized ships, Sensurround and liquid hot magma.  Aron and Matt discussed some of their favorite disaster films, including The Poseidon Adventure, Earthquake, The Towering Inferno, Volcano and Deep Impact.

Featurette: Behind the scenes of The Day After Tomorrow, starring Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhall and Sela Ward