"Greenland", the 2020 disaster flick that throws Gerard Butler once more into the fiery pits of chaos, lands smack in the middle of the road with a solid 5 out of 10 score. Not exactly a masterpiece, nor is it a cinematic disaster deserving of being wiped out by comet debris, the film finds its trajectory within the realm of 'just alright'.
As is the nature of disaster movies, the stakes are astronomically high in "Greenland". A comet with Earth on its hit list is as nail-biting as premises go. However, this film seems to take a much more personal approach, focusing on the Garrity family's struggle for survival rather than indulging in the catastrophic eye candy often associated with this genre. The direness of the situation is portrayed with sincere attempts at depth and drama, skillfully avoiding the trap of becoming a drab, unengaging tale. So while one couldn't say their heart was pounding through every twist and turn, neither could it be said that the film evoked the urge to check the time—reasonably engaging yet not fully captivating.
The Garrity family, with their splintered dynamics and hurried attempts at reconciliation amidst doomsday, serves as our emotional anchor throughout the film. But here lies the crux of the film's mediocrity—it's difficult to truly empathize with the trio. Perhaps it is the relatively familiar characterization or the somewhat predictable emotional beats; the Garritys' journey feels like a story we have, in parts, seen and felt before. Though the performances are competent, with Butler and Baccarin doing their best with what they are given, it is hard to become fully invested in their plight. You root for them, but more out of a sense of obligation than genuine concern.
In conclusion, "Greenland" whirls into the scene with ambition, albeit with an execution that leaves it hovering at the equilibrium point of entertainment. It doesn't reach the dizzying heights of emotional resonance or the adrenaline-fueled highs of sheer exhilaration. But, it doesn't plummet into the depths of boredom either. Like the family at its core, the film makes a valiant effort to carve a haven in the heart of the viewer. But whether it truly succeeds or simply survives is a matter of perspective. In the end, it's an experience that's just okay, not bad, mirroring life itself sometimes—a mix of high hopes and forgivable letdowns with a middle-of-the-road landing.
