The Day After Tomorrow

The Day After Tomorrow is a messy blockbuster. It's a spectacle with formulaic beats, but the film doesn't have a cohesive point (besides destruction). Typical of Roland Emmerich, The Day After Tomorrow follows several characters through a global cataclysm. Massive death is trivialized, vulnerable characters are rushed, and the disaster solves itself without shaping the protagonists. Plus, the science and politics aren't realistic. Lastly, the conclusion lacks falling action. Once the climate event stops, the movie ends without reflection. This is because The Day After Tomorrow had nothing to say. The film's sole purpose was to present weather set-pieces.

Meanwhile, Emmerich's mediocre filmmaking continues. Imagery is plain, sound is standard, and music is forgettable. The unimaginative production design lacks tangible craft because it's all sterile CGI. Had the film utilized varied effects, it would've been more impactful. The best scenes use real water and believable hail, but even those are undercut by glossy CGI additions. Finally, the tone is erratic. Cartoonish action doesn't mesh with forced drama. Films are either sincere or not. The Day After Tomorrow tries to have it both ways and contradicts itself. Overall, it's an adequate source of shlock, but The Day After Tomorrow isn't good.

Writing: 3/10

Direction: 4/10

Cinematography: 5/10

Acting: 6/10

Editing: 5/10

Sound: 6/10

Score/Soundtrack: 5/10

Production Design: 4/10

Casting: 6/10

Effects: 6/10

Overall Score: 5.0/10