Deep Impact (1998)

Unfortunately, 90s cheese ages better with action fare than with drama, or else I could’ve complimented this film on going for a more character-focused approach to its apocalyptic proceedings. As it is, it’s full of cringe-worthy relationship moments (see the weird teen marriage and estranged father-daughter who had one good day on a beach when she was 5 so I guess that’s all we need to care about them hugging on a beach as the world ends??) that threaten to ruin the epic spectacle and story.

3

Jurassic Park III (2001)

A decidedly odd couple with ulterior motives convince Dr. Alan Grant to go to Isla Sorna (the second InGen dinosaur lab.), resulting in an unexpected landing…and unexpected new inhabitants on the island. (IMDb)

Surpasses the second installment largely thanks to its shorter run time, the return of Neill as the steady Indy-like wry lead Dr. Grant, and the addition of the always-good Macy. A couple of interesting new settings (see the “bird cage”) also help keep this installment of dinosaur escapes fresh and popcorn-munching fun until the end in spite of another contrived plot. It’s campy (see the dino dung digging), but it seems to know it, unlike the cheesy “bigger/more is better” sequel before it.

6.5/10 (Alright)

 

Fun with Dick and Jane (2005)

When an affluent couple lose all their money following a series of blunders, they turn to a life of crime to make ends meet. (IMDb)

The story is quite unrealistic, but considering its themes (the suburban and corporate aspects of the American Dream), its extreme highs and lows make it feel more like an appreciably goofy satire than a desperate low-grade comedy. With a good amount of rambunctious plot-based humour (see Dick’s illegal immigration and lawn stealing) and a fun go-for-broke premise, this is a decent film, even though it lacks any real character development or narrative depth.

6.5/10 (Alright)